Sight set on finish line for cycleway

Cyclists and walkers in north Dublin could be set to see improved facilities on their seafront routes this year.
Plans to complete the north section of the Sutton to Sandycove (S2S) cycle way will be progressed this year, which will see a 2km bike and pedestrian route being installed from Wooden Bridge to Causeway Road at Dollymount.
When the section is completed, cyclists will be able to travel from Sutton to East Wall on a dedicated route.
Following a public information meeting held recently, members of the public are invited to put forward submissions on the planning permission before Monday, February 18.
The scheme was welcomed by local TD Terence Flanagan (FG), who said the continuous cycle way will be a welcome asset to the area.
“The council is proposing to construct 2km of cycle track between the Wooden Bridge at the Bull Wall and Causeway Road to contribute to a continuous 8km cycle way around north Dublin Bay. The road in this area will also be resurfaced and the council proposes to introduce a number of signal controlled crossings to facilitate access for cyclists using the route,” he explained.
“The council is also proposing to undertake seawall repairs and flood defence works on this section of the road and the renovation of the tram shelter.”
Meanwhile, Fingal County Council has confirmed that it is their objective to develop a full cycle and pedestrian route along the coast between Sutton and Malahide as part of a longer “Fingal Coastal Way” route, stretching from Balbriggan to Howth as part of the Fingal County Development Plan 2011 – 2017. The potential route will connect into the Sutton to Sandycove Cycle Route to the south, and will connect at Malahide to the north of the route.
At a recent area committee meeting, FCC stated that while it remains in their objectives, there are significant planning and environmental issues involved in providing the route along this part of the Fingal coast.
“It is intended to appoint a specialist consultant to aid the examination/assessment of the proposed route and the design/preparation of a pedestrian/cycle scheme for statutory approval,” a spokesperson for the council stated.