Official opening of the Ongar Barnhill Road marks major milestone for Dublin 15
Fingal County Council today celebrated the official opening of the Ongar Barnhill Road in Dublin 15, a major strategic investment that unlocks housing potential, boosts sustainable transport and delivers stronger, more efficient connections throughout the area.
The event was attended by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, and Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly.
The completion of this key piece of infrastructure represents a significant advancement for Dublin 15. Appointed in August 2023, BAM began construction shortly afterwards, turning years of planning into delivery and opening the way for sustainable growth in Barnhill.
This €23 million project delivers 2km of new road, footpaths, and segregated cycle lanes, connecting the Barnwell Roundabout in Ongar to the R149 at Barberstown Lane South. The scheme includes an upgraded Barberstown Lane and a new single-span bridge over the Dunboyne railway line, built to accommodate future electrification and bus priority. It also incorporates futureproofed walking and cycling routes under the bridge, with the northern link already in operation.
Opening the new road, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary described the project as transformative, saying: “The Ongar Barnhill Road is a game changer for local families. It improves access to five schools; Hansfield Educate Together National School, Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School, Ériu Community College, Castaheany Educate Together National School, and St. Benedict’s National School, making daily journeys safer, easier, and more sustainable. Beyond that, it connects communities, supports new housing, and creates a stronger foundation for education, opportunity, and quality of life in Dublin 15.”
Overseen by Fingal County Council’s Infrastructure and Transport Department, designed and supervised by Clifton Scannell Emerson Associates and delivered by BAM, the project includes a 6.5metre carriageway and a 31-beam rail bridge installed during two night-time possessions in coordination with Iarnród Éireann. The scheme has been designed to accommodate future active travel links and public transport upgrades, including a connection to the Royal Canal Greenway and potential bus lanes.
First approved in 2007 under the Part VIII process, the scheme aligns with national and local strategies including Housing for All, the National Development Plan, the National Planning Framework, the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy and Fingal’s Climate Action Plan. It also supports compact growth around Hansfield Station and facilitates the future closure of the Barberstown level crossing for the DART+ West Project.
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, emphasised the strategic importance of the project, stating: “The Ongar Barnhill Road is a vital piece of infrastructure that will help shape the future of Dublin 15. It delivers the supports needed to enable new housing, strengthens sustainable transport options and improves connectivity across the area. This project is a significant milestone in delivering the long-term vision set out in Fingal’s Development Plan.”
The scheme adds extensive active travel facilities - segregated cycle tracks, new footpaths, upgraded junctions and toucan crossings - enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly benefiting the five nearby schools. Two new roundabouts on Barberstown Lane South are designed to accommodate future controlled crossings and link with a planned DART+ West bridge, improving access to Kellystown.
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD said: ‘’The delivery of the Ongar Barnhill Road reflects the importance of sustained, well‑planned investment in public infrastructure. By enhancing a key corridor and supporting future demand, this project contributes to the continued development of Dublin 15 and the wider region. This will enhance quality of life and living standards for families in the local community, improve connectivity with nearby schools and amenities, and support local enterprise. I want to acknowledge the teams whose commitment brought this to completion.’’
Alongside transport improvements, the project delivers key servicing upgrades. Fingal County Council installed new watermains for the Barnhill lands which will be managed by Uisce Éireann. In addition, wastewater crossings, new LED public lighting and traffic signals, and new ducting for future telecommunications services were provided, helping ensure neighbouring lands are serviced for development. The ESB provided new enabling infrastructure for the lighting. The road also safeguards the corridor required for an ESB 38 kV network upgrade to support DART+ West and local development.
Matthew McAleese, Director of Infrastructure and Transport at Fingal County Council, stated: “The Ongar Barnhill Road delivers a high-quality piece of infrastructure for Dublin 15. Its design ensures it can accommodate future transport upgrades while meeting the day-to-day needs of a growing community. This project strengthens the overall network and provides a solid foundation for continued development in the area.”
John Lucy, Director of Civil Engineering at BAM said:“The completion of the Ongar Barnhill Road marks a significant step forward for the local transport network. The new road, junctions and bridge crossing significantly improve connectivity between Ongar and Barnhill and create a safer, more efficient route for all users. This enhanced link will facilitate residential development and will improve access to nearby schools, local amenities and businesses, supporting families in the community and strengthening local enterprise. Delivered by BAM in close partnership with Fingal County Council, we are proud of this project, which reflects our commitment to building high‑quality infrastructure that supports sustainable growth and enhances the everyday experience of the community.”