Taoiseach and Minister Dick Roche announce support for the Sutton to Sandycove
(S2S) seafront promenade and cycleway project

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D., and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. Dick Roche T.D., today (12 November) announced their commitment to promote and support a proposal to upgrade and join up various existing sections of promenade and cycleways to form a continuous route around the 22kms seafront ofDublin Bay.

"Dublin Bay is a marvellous amenity that would be the envy of any capital city. It provides a sweeping and attractive vista, from Killiney Hill in the south, to Howth in the north. It encompasses excellent beaches as well as important environmental conservation areas, and is an exciting recreational resource. But the enjoyment of this great asset should be available not just to those directly engaged in water based sports and recreation activities, but to the wider community in Dublin, and the many tourists that flock to our city each year" said the Taoiseach.

"Some years ago, a number of individuals, private citizens, developed a vision. They saw the potential that could be unlocked by upgrading and joining up the various existing stretches of walkways and cyclepaths around the bay, to form a continuous, integrated, 22 km long promenade and cycleway, of a consistently high standard. If achieved, this would constitute one of the longest, if not the longest, urban seafront promenade in Europe, virtually level for its entire length. These individuals, and here I must single out Michael Collins and Cyril Forbes in particular, expended considerable personal time and effort researching this project, pushing it forward, selling it to local authorities and other public bodies. I received a presentation on this proposal some months ago, and was immediately taken both by the simplicity of the concept and the many benefits that it could deliver to Dublin.

Conceptually, this is a highly desirable project. It would greatly enhance the amenity value of the bay, improve north-south links in the city, facilitate commuting to and from the city centre in an environmentally sustainable manner, enhance the attraction of Dublin for tourists, and facilitate exercise in a safe public environment. S2S, the Sutton to Sandycove seafront promenade and cycleway, is a project that is long overdue.

Accordingly, I asked Minister Dick Roche and his Department to monitor and co-ordinate the activities of the various public bodies that would have a role or involvement in the delivery of S2S."

Minister Roche confirmed his commitment to the project. "This is a highly desirable project, which I am anxious to promote. It is more complicated than perhaps might be anticipated at first sight, and several public bodies have a role to play in its delivery. In some areas, there is the potential to link S2S with forthcoming public investment in necessary flood protection and water service works. With five areas of ecological or ornithological importance, we must be very sensitive to potential environmental impacts. There are technical and safety issues associated with works along the DART/railway line on the southside. And of course, the interests and rights of private property holders along the seafront must be accommodated. But I am satisfied that this project is achievable, and my Department will co-operate closely with the various bodies involved. In this regard, I am delighted that Dublin City Council, in co-ordination with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, is commissioning feasibility and preliminary design studies for the provision of S2S in the two main gaps where no facilities currently exist – the Bull Island causeway to the Bull Wall, and Sandymount Strand to Dun Laoghaire pier. I look forward to the outcome of this work, which will give us a more detailed appreciation of what is involved. I also welcome the intention of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority to fund S2S works in the docklands area next year."

"This is a significant project, which will require considerable time and investment, but we are anxious to see it happen." continued the Minister. "Without overreaching, it may even be possible in due course to see this integrated promenade and cycleway being extended into North Wicklow".