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Facilities for houseboats, horse-drawn barges, markets, concerts,
water sports, shops and restaurants are proposed for the Royal
and Grand canals in Dublin in a new report from Waterways
Ireland.
The Dublin City Canals Study recommends a range
of recreation, tourism and commercial schemes to protect and
improve the canals and open up both waterways to a greater
range of uses.
The study focuses on the Dublin city sections of the canals
within the curtilage of the M50, from Spencer Dock to Granard
Bridge in Blanchardstown on the Royal Canal on the northside
of the city and from Grand Canal Dock to Blackhorse Bridge
at Inchicore on the southside.
The Waterways
Ireland study recommends the creation or improvement
of walking and cycling facilities and an improvement in appearance
and maintenance of all parts of the canals, but also makes
specific proposals for each section of the canals as they
progress through the city centre and suburbs.
On the Royal Canal, Spencer Dock is identified as having
potential for berthing for boats, outdoor exhibits and waterside
retail units. Moving out towards Sheriff Street, the study
sees space to create a marina on the eastern side of the canal,
along with lifting rail bridges to allow boat access.
Where the canal passes Croke Park, the development of pedestrian
links to the stadium and its museum are recommended. When
it reaches the back of Mountjoy prison, the development of
a public plaza with space for concerts and markets linked
to the proposed Mountjoy redevelopment is proposed. At the
other side of Cross Guns Bridge, there could be potential
for a water sports centre at the sixth lock.
The canal develops a 'rural feeling' as it moves through
Cabra, the study says - and the improvement and conservation
of the natural amenity is the focus in this area. As it moves
towards Ashtown, there is potential for an activity centre
and a cafe and restaurant.
Between Ashtown and Blanchardstown at the twelfth lock, there
could be a horse-drawn barge service between rail stations.
On the Grand Canal, the main focus for commercial development
is in the city basin where there may be the potential to moor
houseboats, stage events like fireworks displays and concerts
and create a hub for watersports.
The area between Baggot Street and Portobello already has
a reputation as a 'little Venice' the study says. This
could be enhanced with a food or art market, an exhibition
space at Portobello harbour and the possible development of
a boutique canal boat hotel.
Further out towards Dolphin’s Barn, Kilmainham and Inchicore,
the recreation and amenity aspects of the canal are emphasised
with proposals to develop parks and water sports.
The study acknowledges the structural problems along the
canal, such as the construction of houses and industrial premises
to the water’s edge and concerns over safety and security.
It accepts the proposals will require substantial public and
private investment.
However, Minister for Community Affairs Pat Carey said the
study would be instrumental in developing the canals.
Source - The Irish Times
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