Whitestown Greenway Officially Opened

On Monday 25^th May, Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Pamela Kearns, marked the official opening of the Whitestown Greenway, which marks a significant investment in the walking and cycling infrastructure in the area.  She was joined by local Councillors, Director of Services Ms. Teresa Walsh, staff from SDCC and representatives from Nicholas De Jong Associates and Clonmel Enterprises Ltd.

The Whitestown Greenway delivers a new 640m pedestrian and cycle route along the Whitestown Stream, linking Killinarden Park and Sean Walsh Park. It improves connectivity for local communities while also encouraging more people to walk and cycle. It forms an important part of a growing network of routes that will make active travel safer and more accessible for everyone.

Speaking at the opening, Mayor Kearns welcomed the new infrastructure, saying:

This new route enhances connectivity, encourages active travel, and forms a key part of a wider network of existing and planned routes, including the Dodder Greenway, the Citywest to Rathfarnham Cycle Scheme, and the N81 Cycle Scheme. It also improves links to the to the Dublin Mountains Way, opening further opportunities for recreation and wellbeing. 

There is also a new controlled pedestrian crossing at Whitestown Drive.

In addition, Mayor Kearns noted that protecting the ecology and biodiversity of the area was an important consideration in development of new route. She said: 

Over time, the native plant species retained along the greenway will provide valuable habitat to a variety of local birdlife, mammals, insects, and other wildlife. 

A notable design feature is the inclusion of a lighting scheme which is designed to dim when the route is not in use. This is to protect the natural habitat of bats, which are common along this corridor.

This project was funded with support from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

Nicholas De Jong Associates carried out the design works on the scheme and construction works were undertaken by Clonmel Enterprises Ltd. 

For further information:

Communications Unit, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Email: communications@sdublincoco.ie