Grand Canal Way

This significant Green Infrastructure project was undertaken following laying of high-voltage electrical wires under the tow path of the Grand Canal from 3rd Lock, Inchicore to 12th Lock, Lucan. It represents a genuine community benefit from “joined-up thinking” between ESB, Waterways Ireland and the local authorities. The Green Route provides 11 km of cycle and pedestrian route which is separated from vehicular traffic and high in amenity value.

The scope of work for the practice encompassed the design of a landscape masterplan for an 11km cycle and pedestrian route; consultation with stakeholders; landscape resource analysis; route planning; tree surveys; detailed design; sub-contract documentation; supervision and certification of works on-site. Murray & Associates worked with the team to detail all aspects of the scheme, including path layout and route, crossing points, access points along the extent of the scheme, public lighting, CCTV, bespoke site furniture, installation of jetties and fishing points and provision of artificial breeding areas for local wildlife. The scheme also includes pedestrian ramps onto the pedestrian canal route from Kylemore Road, Park West Avenue, Fonthill Road and the Outer Relief Road.

The route has been extremely successful and popular with the people of the area and also attracts visitors to explore the canal. Specific details were included in the design to encourage bats, otters and other protected species, including habitat creation, selection of plant species and screening where necessary.