New bridge a key link along the Dodder Greenway route
A NEW bridge that stretches over the Dodder has been officially opened, a key milestone in plans to connect the city centre with the Dublin Mountains.
The bridge is part of the Dodder Greenway, which once complete is envisaged to be over 17km long, linking Bohernabreena Reservoir with Sir John Rogerson’s Quay via Tallaght, Firhouse, Rathfarnham, Milltown and Ballsbridge.
The South Dublin County section of the Greenway stretches from the Bohernabreena Reservoir in Tallaght to Orwell Park in Rathfarnham.
As part of the bridge phase of the initiative, South Dublin County Council has built three new pedestrian and cycle bridges, 750 metres of new pathway and 2.6km of upgraded paths.
The first bridge is located in Firhouse to the rear of the Bolbrook Enterprise Centre, linking Avonmore and Millbrook to the Greenway, with a second bridge straddling the Dodder at Kilvere Park to the rear of Rathfarnham Shopping Centre, linking Templeogue to the route.
The third bridge officially opened last week, and pictured, is in Bushy Park to the rear of Rathfarnham Village, and is a key link on along the Greenway, which hopes to be a major new transport and recreational facility for Dublin, catering for pedestrians and both commuter and social cyclists.
The route is a combination of off-road and on-road cycleways, utilising facilities within the Dodder Valley and connecting the linear parkland as it travels from mountain to city.
Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Peter Kavanagh said: “The Dodder Greenway is a fantastic piece of infrastructure that is going to link the Southern half of South Dublin all the way to Sir John Rogerson’s Quay when completed.
“It represents the future for many thousands of commuters here in South Dublin as we try and create a motile shift away from the private car leading to increased quality of life, better air quality and safer streets for everyone”.
Minister for Transport Eamonn Ryan TD was in Rathfarnham for the opening of the bridge.
“The Cycle South Dublin strategy is one of the most ambitious programmes for cycling in the country and will deliver a 260km network of cycle lanes connecting homes with the places people need to go on a daily basis,” Minister Ryan said.
“By improving and expanding these facilities, we can ensure our cities, towns and villages are more connected and accessible while making sustainable travel a real alternative to private car use.”
The bridges phase of the project has cost approximately €5.8m and is being delivered by South Dublin County Council with funding provided by the National Transport Authority (€4.3m) and the European Regional Development Fund’s S&E Regional Programme (€1.5m).
