Official opening of the Royal Canal Greenway in Kildare (Maynooth to Leixlip)

Kildare County Council today (Monday, September 29 2025) hosted Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport, Darragh O Brien and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless in the presence of the Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Carmel Kelly for the official opening of the Royal Canal Greenway, Maynooth to Leixlip. 

The official opening marks the completion of 7.75 km section of the Royal Canal Greenway, extending from Maynooth Harbour to Confey/Cope Bridge, Leixlip.

This project is a result of a collaborative effort between Kildare County Council, the National Transport Authority and Waterways Ireland and is funded by the National Transport Authority under the Active Travel Investment Grants. 

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The detailed design and construction oversight of the Royal Canal Greenway were undertaken by AtkinsRéalis and the main construction works were undertaken by Glas Civil Engineering Ltd.

The Royal Canal is a historic canal route that stretches from the River Shannon in Longford to Spencer Dock, Dublin, and is a primary greenway route in the National Transport Authority's Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan. The completion of this greenway scheme means users can now cycle over 120km from Leixlip, Co. Kildare to Cloondara, Co. Longford alongside the Royal Canal.

This section of the Royal Canal Greenway, Maynooth to Leixlip is one of a number of active travel initiatives being progressed by Kildare County Council.  The scheme includes the provision of a new bound and unbound surface greenway, a segregated cycle track adjacent to a section of the R148 regional road and associated amenities along the greenway. 

This project aims to enhance the local transport network, allowing people living along the route to travel in a healthy, sustainable, and safe manner.  The greenway will provide local commuters with a safer cycle route between the towns of Maynooth and Leixlip and will enhance existing and future active travel schemes planned for these areas.

Speaking at the official opening, Minster Darragh O’Brien said: "I am delighted to be here today at the launch of the Maynooth to Leixlip section of the Royal Canal Greenway. The Active Travel team within Kildare County Council alongside the National Transport Authority are making fantastic progress in providing high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure around the county.

“This section is a critical piece of that infrastructure as it completes a 120km stretch of Greenway from Leixlip right over to Cloondara, Co. Longford alongside the Royal Canal. Another section of this Greenway was opened in Dublin City last week, and I look forward to seeing the full project completed in the coming years.”

Minister James Lawless said: “The opening of this new section of the Royal Canal Greenway between Maynooth and Leixlip is a fantastic occasion for our communities here in Kildare. This 7.75 km stretch of new Greenway not only provides a safe and scenic route for walkers and cyclists, but it also strengthens the vital connections between our towns.

“With continued investment in greenways and active travel infrastructure, we are creating healthier, more sustainable transport options that will benefit people today and for generations to come.”

Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Carmel Kelly said: "We are thrilled to officially open the Royal Canal Greenway from Maynooth to Leixlip.  This project represents a significant investment in sustainable transport infrastructure, providing a safe and scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians alike.  

“We’re delighted to welcome Minister O’Brien and Minister Lawless to Maynooth for the official opening and thank them for their continued support.  We look forward to seeing locals and visitors enjoying the route.”

John Tolan, Marketing and Development Controller, Waterways Ireland said: “When the first 130km of the Royal Canal Greenway was opened in 2021, it saw 640,000 visits in the first year. The return on investment was significant and quick, with an economic return of €17m in that first year, significantly exceeding the development cost.

“Thirty businesses opened or expanded their offering as a result. The inland waterways are special places, and research shows that 81% of visitors report that spending time at a waterway significantly contributes to their overall well-being and mental health.”