Green Pedestrian and Cycle Route from Inchicore to the 12th Lock incorporating 110kV Ducting

Works began on Monday 1st December 2008 on the construction of a high quality sealed stone finished footpath and cycleway on the Grand Canal southern towpath between Davitt Road and the 12th Lock. When completed the footpath and cycleway will provide a direct green pedestrian and cycle link between Grange Castle, Adamstown and Dublin City Centre. The works are programmed to continue for 15 months during which the towpath will be closed to the public.

 

Project Description

South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council are rapidly expanding areas and the Local Authorities recognize that the need for the availability of power is a critical element in developing social and economic infrastructure. Both the social and economic growth of South Dublin County and Dublin City Council are dependent on having a secure supply of power for its residential, leisure and business developments.

The 8.5km Green Pedestrian and Cycle Project from Inchicore to 12th Lock was initiated by South Dublin County Council, ESB Networks, Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland. Incorporated in the route it is proposed to provide underground ducting for two 110kV circuits from the Inchicore 220kV Substation along the Grand Canal towpath to the Grange Castle 110kV Substation in order to reinforce the 110kV Network in west Dublin. Additional electricity capacity has been identified as a critical requirement for the current and future development of this region.

The ESB network between Inchicore and Grange Castle and the associated sub-stations provides most of the power to the west of Dublin City Centre. However with the huge demands from residential, community and business developments in the Dublin South and West areas the system is close to capacity and requires to be reinforced by a new 110kV Circuit between Inchicore and Grange Castle. ESB Networks consulted South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council on possible routes for the new 110kV underground circuit. It was agreed that the optimum route was along the Grand Canal between the two substations. In accordance with our pro-active approach for the medium and long-term economic expansion of the area the Local Authorities agreed to co-operate on the development of the route and sought agreement from Waterways Ireland for the installation of the new circuit along the Grand Canal tow-path between Inchicore and Grange Castle.

The project also incorporates the upgrading of the existing towpath of the Grand Canal to include footpath, cycleway, seating, public lighting and CCTV to enhance the public accessibility of this resource. The combined ESB Networks 110kV double circuit ducting along the towpath and the Green Pedestrian and Cycle Route will commence at Inchicore and will continue to the Grange Castle.

In developing the scheme there has been intensive liaison and discussion with National Parks and Wildlife Services, Central Fisheries Board and Local Community Groups regarding the impacts and benefits of the scheme on the flora and fauna of the Grand Canal. Their suggestions and recommendations have been incorporated into the scheme and include the following:

• impact on light sensitive bats. This lighting system has been designed in conjunction with the preeminent bat specialist of Ireland and will be the first of its kind to be installed in Ireland.
• Bat roosting boxes to be installed along the extent of the scheme.
• Underground holts which provide shelter and breeding opportunities for otters.
• Reinstatement of natural hedgerows with native species.
• A rural stone effect finish, instead of blacktop, to the footpath and cycleway to enhance the appearance of the scheme.

The value of the project to all includes:

• Upgrade of public amenity and provision of a green off-road footpath and cycleway linking Grange Castle and Adamstown through South Dublin County to the Grand Canal Basin and linking to the Luas network.
• Reinforcement of ESB Networks’ existing 110kV network in west Dublin to accommodate existing and future 110kV substations.
• Public lighting and CCTV for user security.
• Landscaping and enhanced impaired mobility access to the canal towpath.

The scheme has been developed in a partnership manner by a number of state sponsored bodies and yields dividends for all concerned, benefiting in particular the communities and businesses in the southwest Dublin region. The project reflects an innovative and co-operative approach by all partners to address what is a pressing requirement for the rapidly developing area of west Dublin in a green, sustainable and cost effective manner.