Discover Dublin’s New Coastal C2CC Walking & Cycling Route: A Sustainable Urban Upgrade

Dublin City Council has opened the Clontarf to City Centre (C2CC) walking and cycling route. This route connects Howth to Dublin City Centre. It links the Royal Canal Greenway, East Coast Trail, and part of the Tolka Valley Greenway.

The C2CC route measures 2.7 km. It starts at the junction of Clontarf Road and Alfie Byrne Road and continues along North Strand Road to Amiens Street at Connolly Station. The initiative is part of the Dublin City Council Active Travel Network, which aims to improve walking, cycling, and public transport in the city.

Cllr Naoise Ó Muirí praised the project. He expressed pride in his involvement from the start and noted the positive impact on the local community. He expects the route to attract more people to Fairview and Clontarf, benefiting local businesses.

To construct the C2CC route, a significant traffic diversion was necessary. Dublin City Council thanked the community for their patience during this time. Minister for Environment Eamon Ryan welcomed the route, stating that it provides the infrastructure people want. He emphasized the move away from car domination in the city.

How will the Clontarf to City Center route affect local businesses and community engagement?

Interview with Cllr Naoise Ó muirí on the Launch of the Clontarf to City Centre Walking and Cycling Route

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Cllr Ó Muirí. The recent opening of the Clontarf to city Centre (C2CC) route has been met with much enthusiasm. Can you share what inspired this initiative?

Cllr Ó Muirí: Thank you for having me. The C2CC route is part of our broader vision to enhance the Active Travel Network in Dublin. Inspired by the need for sustainable transport options, it connects vital areas—Howth to Dublin City Centre—while linking significant trails like the Royal canal Greenway and East Coast Trail. Our aim is to promote walking and cycling as practical choices for daily commuting.

Interviewer: It’s evident that this route is a significant undertaking. Can you elaborate on the key features and the expected impact on the local community?

Cllr Ó Muirí: Absolutely.The C2CC spans 2.7 kilometers, starting at Clontarf Road and ending at connolly Station. It includes 8 km of upgraded pedestrian walkways, 6.8 km of new cycle lanes, and upgraded bus lanes. Importantly, we’ve created new pedestrian crossings to connect Fairview village to parks, which fosters a sense of community. I beleive this route will attract more visitors to Fairview and Clontarf, which will benefit local businesses as well.

Interviewer: There were significant disruptions due to traffic diversions during construction. How did the local community respond to these changes?

cllr Ó Muirí: There were indeed challenges during the construction phase,but I am grateful for the community’s patience. Necessary diversions were put in place to allow for extensive upgrades, including replacing old water mains and installing new infrastructure for traffic, lighting, and electricity. The community understood that these temporary inconveniences were essential for the long-term benefits of the route.

Interviewer: Minister Eamon Ryan has publicly supported this project. How does his endorsement align with your vision for Dublin’s urban infrastructure?

cllr Ó Muirí: Having Minister Ryan’s support underscores our collective goal of moving away from car-dominant urban environments. His emphasis on providing infrastructure that people want—like safe cycling routes and pedestrian pathways—aligns perfectly with our vision. We want to create a city that prioritizes people and sustainable transport alternatives.

Interviewer: The project also included extensive ecological enhancements. Can you tell us more about those efforts?

Cllr Ó Muirí: Yes, we’re very proud of the ecological aspects of the C2CC. In addition to 100 new trees and over 4,600 shrubs and hedges, we implemented sustainable urban drainage systems to mitigate flooding risks. The project also features over 280 new energy-efficient LED public lighting columns.These efforts contribute to a vibrant urban ecosystem and reflect our commitment to environmental sustainability.

Interviewer: looking ahead, what does the future hold for the C2CC route and the Active Travel Network in Dublin?

cllr Ó Muirí: The C2CC is just one of many developments within the Active Travel Network; we envision more routes that prioritize active and public transport. It’s about creating a comprehensive system that encourages walking and cycling while reducing reliance on cars. I’m excited for the future and the positive changes it will usher in for our city.

Interviewer: Thank you, Cllr Ó Muirí, for sharing your insights on this transformative project.

Cllr Ó Muirí: Thank you for the chance to discuss the C2CC route. I look forward to seeing how it enhances our community!

The C2CC Project includes 8 km of upgraded pedestrian walkways, 6.8 km of new cycle lanes, and 5.4 km of upgraded bus lanes. It also upgraded nine major junctions and three pedestrian crossings. New pedestrian crossings connect Fairview village to the park.

Extensive work included replacing 6.5 km of old water mains and installing a 26 km network for traffic, lighting, and electricity. The project features sustainable urban drainage to reduce flooding, over 280 new energy-efficient LED public lighting columns, and greenery such as 100 new trees and over 4,600 shrubs and hedges. The area has eight new community plazas to enhance the streetscape.