Concerns for pedestrians and cyclists along Grand Canal dumping blackspot

REPORTS of a dumping blackspot on the grand canal have led to concerns for the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

At the recent Lucan/ Palmerstown/North Clondalkin area meeting, Cllr Paul Gogarty (Ind) asked South Dublin County Council to work with Waterways Ireland to “clear dumped material” from the 9th Lock to the 12th Lock “as this has been reported as being a blackspot despite being increasingly used by cyclists and pedestrians”.

In response, South Dublin County Council said it continues to work with Waterways Ireland to ensure the area along the grand canal is kept as clean as possible.

“Waterways Ireland will be contacted as soon as possible in relation to the dumping of materials in the water.

“Litter bins are provided along this section of the canal and are emptied on a regular basis. Cleansing is also carried out regularly in this area.”

The stretch along the canal has also been subject to serious anti-social activity including drug dealing and intimidation of bike users.

At one stage, there was a number of bike thefts and assaults of cyclists and people on e-scooters along the canal, particularly around the Bluebell area.

However, a major operation by gardai in recent years has led to much improvement on the canal, with the council and Waterways Ireland also involved in the operation.

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