Major boost for the development of the River Liffey Blueway trail

By Brendan Grehan

South Dublin County Council has this week awarded a contract for the development of a feasibility study and plan for the development of a Liffey Blueway.

A blueway is a water path or trail that is developed with launch points, riverside activities and points of interest for canoeists, paddle boarders, kayakers and other water users.

 

The study will also make recommendations for recreational facilities in public parks adjacent to the river in order to maximise the tourism and recreation potential of this part of Dublin.

Mayor Guss O’Connell, of South Dublin County Council, has welcomed the initiative between South Dublin and Fingal County Councils.

He told The Echo: “South Dublin County Council’s Tourism Strategy positions the outdoors as part of the visitor experience of Dublin and is aimed at making the experience of Dublin’s outdoors accessible and enjoyable for all”.

Mayor O’Connell said the rivers, parks and mountains of the county play an important role in attracting visitors to the region.

He added: “Exploring sustainable interventions along the River Liffey, with its landscape and vistas which was recognised by the renowned town planner, Myles Wright, as one of the jewels of Dublin, therefore has the potential to act as a destination for tourists and a great amenity for Dubliners too.”

The study will examine opportunities to facilitate safe, sustainable and increased access to the River Liffey for water-based activities from publicly owned land and recommend riverside tourist-focused recreation activities.

These activities would be backed up with appropriate promotion to attract visitors to the area.

It is expected that a project plan and report will be finalised and made available to the SDCC in 2017.