12th Lock to Hazelhatch Greenway Opens in South Dublin

The Mayor of South Dublin was joined by Minister for Transport, Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien T.D., Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Waterways Ireland to officially open the new 12th Lock to Hazelhatch section of the Grand Canal Greenway, marking a major step forward in enhancing sustainable travel and recreational amenities along one of the county’s most significant historic corridors. The project forms part of a wider effort to develop a high‑quality, accessible walking and cycling route along the Grand Canal.

Speaking at the opening, the Mayor of South Dublin, Cllr. Pamela Kearns highlighted the importance of the project for both current and future communities. The Mayor noted that “this greenway delivers a high‑quality, safe and accessible route along one of our most historic landscapes, improving connectivity between neighbourhoods and offering a valuable amenity for people of all ages. It forms part of South Dublin County Council’s wider plans for the area — supporting the developing community at Clonburris, and the significant projects now underway at the 12th Lock.” The Mayor also paid tribute to those who delivered the project, adding that “..the work of SDCC staff, especially our Economic Development Department, has been central to bringing this project to today’s milestone.”

Addressing those in attendance, CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Lorcan O’Connor recognised the importance of the delivery of the Greenway as part of the overall greenway network from Dublin to the Shannon; “The delivery of this 5km section of Greenway from 12th Lock to Hazelhatch represents another important milestone in the delivery of the 130km Grand Canal Greenway from Dublin to the River Shannon.  This high quality, safe and accessible facility is available for use by the local community, visitors and commuters. Thank you to our delivery partners in South Dublin County Council and Waterways Ireland for supporting the projects and achieving this milestone”

John McDonagh, CEO of Waterways Ireland; “Waterways Ireland’s 10 Year Plan outlines the transformative opportunity to deliver for the public good in Greater Dublin, to reimagine how locals and visitors experience and traverse the city and surrounding areas; to make a climate positive impact through traffic reduction by hosting more journeys on our Greenways.

Waterways Ireland are delighted to mark the official opening of the Grand Canal Greenway from the 12th Lock to Hazelhatch in County Dublin and we express our appreciation to all stakeholders for the excellent work in delivering it, alongside the Waterways Ireland team.

Waterways Ireland will continue to collaborate with our partners and stakeholders on the completion of the remaining sections of the Grand Canal Greenway - which will link the Liffey all the way to the Shannon - and on further enhancing the visitor experience.”

The greenway will also support major future developments, including the growing community at Clonburris, ensuring that new residents have access to a high‑quality, low‑carbon travel and leisure route from day one. It strengthens the connection between local neighbourhoods, links key amenities and open spaces, and supports the Council’s wider goals in health, wellbeing, climate action and placemaking.

Concluding the opening, Minister O’Brien welcomed the completion of the new greenway section, recognising it as an important example of how local and national partners can work together to promote active travel and high‑quality public spaces; “The opening of this section of the Grand Canal Greenway marks an exciting milestone for the communities in Adamstown and Hazelhatch and the surrounding areas. The improvement works carried out on this 5km section means that the greenway is now designed and developed to cater for wheelchair users, children in buggies as well as people on all types of bicycles. This route not only provides a recreational walking and cycling route but also provides a safe and sustainable option to facilitate everyday journeys whether that be commutes, trips to the shops or school journeys. The importance of providing safe and accessible infrastructure for walkers and cyclists is a key objective of my Department with projects like this one demonstrating a commitment to delivery with approximately €2.5m invested in this scheme”.

SDCC extends its thanks to TII, Waterways Ireland, the project contractors and engineering partners, and all SDCC staff involved — particularly those in the Economic Development Department — for their commitment and collaboration throughout the project’s development.