Pedestrian & Cycling Scheme at Granard Bridge, Castleknock Road, Dublin 15

The Planning & Strategic Infrastructure Department of Fingal County Council has procured RPS Consulting Engineers Limited to undertake a proposed Pedestrian & Cycling Scheme at Granard Bridge, Castleknock, Dublin 15. This project will form part of the Blanchardstown to Castleknock route which is identified as a primary radial route in the Cycle Network Plan for The Greater Dublin Area.

RPS Consulting Engineers Limited appointed a design team to progress the proposed Pedestrian & Cycling Scheme at Granard Bridge, Castleknock under Phase 2 Concept Development and Options Selection, Phase 3 Preliminary Design and Phase 4 Statutory Processes. These phases are expected to last 24 months.

The outline programme for this project will be developed by the design team with the Concept Development and Options Selection Phase 2 beginning first. This will be followed by Phase 3 Preliminary Design and Phase 4 Statutory Processes. Throughout these phases there will be the requirement for consultation with all stakeholders including public representatives.

Project Details

The new Pedestrian and Cycling Scheme at Granard Bridge will cross the Dublin Maynooth railway and Royal Canal, adjacent to the existing road bridges over the canal and railway. The project involves constructing a new shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists alongside improvements to existing infrastructure. This will improve connectivity to Castleknock Train Station as well as pedestrian and cycle safety at Granard Bridge. It will further promote the use of more sustainable and healthy travel patterns, in line with Government Policy and the cycle network plan for the greater Dublin area. 

Why is the scheme needed?

• To provide a safer, high-quality walking and cycling route at Granard Bridge and the surrounding areas.
• To improve connections to public transport and key local destinations.
• To replace narrow and substandard footpaths with accessible, attractive shared-use paths.
• To support and promote healthier, more active, and sustainable travel options. 

The details 

Following a detailed assessment and multi-criteria analysis, the Emerging Preferred Option has been identified and includes the following key features: 

• 4.0m wide shared shared pedestrian and cycle path on the western side of R806 (Castleknock Road).
• Two new pedestrian and cyclist Bridges proposed adjacent to the existing Granard Bridge and Granard Railway Bridge, enhancing crossing safety and accessibility.
• Existing traffic lanes will be maintained to minimise disruption.
• The existing footpath on the eastern side will be maintained for pedestrian use.
• An improved access ramp to Castleknock train station to facilitate better multi-modal travel connections. 

What happens next?

Fingal County Council invites you to review the Emerging Preferred Route Option and share your views. Your feedback is vital in shaping the final design of this important active travel scheme.  

Make a submission via Fingal County Council's consultation portal https://consult.fingal.ie/en/browse. Consultation period has been extended from 02 October 2025 - 07 November 2025.

OR

Postal submissions should be addressed to Senior Executive Engineer, Planning & Strategic Infrastructure Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main Street, Swords, Co Dublin, K67 X8Y2. When making a postal submission please Indicate ‘Granard Bridge Scheme’ as the title of your submission.  State your name, address and where relevant, the body or organisation you represent. 

In-Person Public Consultation Event: 

Thursday 30 October 2025, 17:30 – 19:30 

Blanchardstown Library, The Civic Centre, Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin 15.

Next Steps 

Upon completion of this consultation process, informed by the submissions made by public and stakeholders the design of the scheme will progress to the next stage. 

Project timeline overview

Key Milestones 

• July 2025: Completion of Options Selection (Phase 2)
• October 2025: Start of Public Consultation on Emerging Preferred Route
• October 2025: In-person Public Consultation Event at Blanchardstown Library
• Mid 2026: Anticipated submission of Planning Consent Application
• Mid 2028: Start of construction (subject to planning and funding approvals) 

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