Protected Cycle Lanes & Works Updates

What is a protected cycle lane?

Protected cycle lanes are designated traffic lanes for cycling. They separate bikes from other vehicles and pedestrians in order to increase safety for everyone when traffic is busy.

A protected cycle lane may be marked out from vehicle lanes using a number of different methods including coloured epoxy resin coatings, bollards, kerbs and painted road markings. The method used on any given cycle lane is chosen based on what best suits the local environment

What are the benefits of protected cycle lanes?

Protected cycle lanes prevent vehicles and bikes from encroaching into one another’s space on the road. In high traffic areas it is often helpful to separate bikes from other vehicles in order to provide a safe travel space for everyone. In areas with lots of pedestrians, and a very high volume of cyclists, it is sometimes also helpful to provide designated cycling and walking areas which are distinct from one another.

In deciding where to install protected cycle lanes Fingal County Council carries out traffic surveys and consults with the local community and An Garda Síochána to ensure the right solution is provided for the locality. Not all cycle lanes are called ‘protected cycle lanes’ but all of the cycle lanes in Fingal have been designed to provide the safest possible cycling environment.

Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Project Updates

Seatown Road to Estuary Road, Swords - Cycling & Walking Improvements

Update 2 November 2026

• The footpath on the south side of Seatown Road is closed from the IDA Roundabout to the Estuary Road Roundabout to facilitate ducting, kerb and footpath works.
• An alternative pedestrian route is established on the new footpath on the north side of Seatown Road from the Estuary Road Roundabout to the IDA roundabout.
• Works are ongoing at the IDA Roundabout including kerb and footpath works.
• Works are ongoing on the overrun area at the Estuary Road Roundabout.
• From the 2nd – 7th of November, two way traffic will be maintained during the day.

Auburn Avenue Walking & Cycling Scheme

Update 2 November 2026

• Stormwater drainage works to continue on the Old Navan Road and at the Old Navan Road / Auburn Avenue Roundabout.
• Shuttering works/buildup of ground for kerbing/footpath to continue on the Old Navan Road and on the east side of beechpark avenue.
• Traffic signals and public lighting ducting works to continue at the Old Navan Road / Auburn Avenue Roundabout.
• Excavation works are continuing for the buildup of foundations for the proposed cycle-tracks and footpaths on the northern arm of the Old Navan Road / Auburn Avenue Roundabout.
• Traffic and pedestrian management will be in place at all times.

Flemington Road Junction Upgrade – Balbriggan:

 Update 19 October 2026

• Line Marking Works on the cycle track on the western side of the R132 from Brecan Close to Harry Reynolds Road have been completed.

Safe Routes to School - Scoil Bhríde Buachaillí & Cailíní, Blanchardstown

Update 2 November 2026

• Road reinstatement works ongoing - Haxel Lawns Junction
• Concrete footpath and road reinstatement works ongoing - Roselawn Drive
• Road Narrowing/Junction realignment and drainage works South R806. 1-Lane exit from Scoil Bhride. Pedestrian access closed right hand side of junction until mid week. Left hand side closed from mid week on through weekend.
• Road narrowing drainage, kerbing & driveway works South R806 ongoing
• Works at Castleknock Rd have been reviewed and the design has been altered which will maintain a greater section of the left-hand turning lane while still greatly improving front of school safety for vulnerable road users.

Safe Routes to School - St. Colmcille's National School, Swords

Update 05 October 2026

• The Safe Routes to School works at Seatown Road / Chapel Lane are now substantially complete, with final road line marking scheduled for early next week.

Bicycle Parking Infrastructure

Update 14 July 2026

Bike stand installation works continue this week at five separate locations in Portmarnock.

Location 1 –R106 / St Lawerance Ave (Outside Neil Blaney Solicitors) Outside Blaney Solicitors.

Location 2 – Outside No 38, Strand Road, across from Kingsford Medical Centre. 

Location 3 – At Bus Stop (3600) on Strand Road. 

Location 4 – Bus Stop Carrickhill Lower

Location 5 – Within the Portmarnock Park & Football pitches.