Many of you have gotten in touch with me about issues with road safety, pedestrian crossings, icy footpaths etc. in Royal Canal Park and Rathborne in the past. Most of these issues are related to the fact that the roads and footpaths in the area are still privately owned and managed and weren’t built to high standards. The taking-in-charge process to transfer responsiblity for the roads and footpaths to Dublin City Council has been ongoing for several years but cannot be completed until remedial works are carried out by the developers to bring the infrastructure up to a standard acceptable to Dublin City Council. I have been working on this issue since 2023 and below are some of the updates I’ve received.
Update: 15 December 2025
Castlethorn has agreed to carry out works around the Rathborne estate to bring the roads and footpaths up to standard for Dublin City Council to take them in charge. The works will start in early 2026.
Phase 1
Jan to Mid-2026
- New traffic signals and enhanced pedestrian crossings
- Road and footpath remediation at key junctions
- Trenching and ducting for new signalling and services
- Localised drainage diversions
- Road resurfacing, markings and signage
| Junction number | Works |
| 1 | New signalised pedestrian crossing at existing crossing location in Rathborne Village |
| 3,4,5 | Reconfiguration of existing junction at this location with adjustments to kerb alignment, re-alignment of pedestrian crossings, new signalling. |
| 6 | New signalised pedestrian crossing including footpath modifications (drop kerbs and tactile paving) at Rathborne Ave/Rathborne Way location shown on the notification map. |
| 7 | New traffic and pedestrian signalling at existing junction at this location with adjustments to kerb alignment, re-alignment of pedestrian crossings. |
| 8 | New signalised pedestrian crossing including footpath modifications (drop kerbs and tactile paving) at Crescent Park location shown on the notification map |
| 9 | New signalised pedestrian crossing including footpath modifications (drop kerbs and tactile paving) at Crescent Park location shown on the notification map |
| 10 | Reconfiguration of road alignment and footpath modifications to accommodate bus turning onto/off Rathborne Drive from/to Royal Canal Crescent. |
| 11 | Modification to existing (non-signalised) pedestrian crossing at Royal Canal Way ie alignment of tactile paving and other minor works. |
| Other | New signal fibre network ducting between junctions [3,4,5] and [6] and [7] |
| Other | Realignment of road drainage gullies at junction locations where required. |
| Other | Resurfacing of roadway at and between the junctions and new linemarking and signage where required. |
| Other | Local repairs to footpath where required along Phase 1 route. |
| Other | Stormwater system condition survey and remedial work if/where required. |
Phase 2
Mid-2026 to Q1 2027
Additional road and footpath works where required will follow, completing the estate-wide
works programme.
What to Expect during the Works
- Temporary traffic and pedestrian management measures
- Short-term access and parking restrictions
- Increased construction activity and vehicle movements
I’ve been told that negotiations are ongoing between Dublin City Council and Ballymore for the taking in charge of the Royal Canal Park area. Ballymore is required to fix the significant deficiencies in the quality and safety of roads and footpaths in the area.
Update: 1 September 2025
Royal Canal Park – Ballymore Homes
The Taking in Charge request was received in November 2021. Request forwarded to Service Divisions December 2021. The service department’s response outlined works that were required to be carried out prior to the area being taken in charge. Engagement between Dublin City Council and the developer is ongoing to resolve the outstanding issues prior to the development being taken in charge.
Rathborne – Castlethorn Developments
The Taking in Charge request was received in May 2023. Request forwarded to Service divisions May 2023. The service department’s response outlined works that were required to be carried out prior to the area being taken in charge. No response has been received to date from the developer.
We are unable to provide an update as to when the Taking in Charge process will be concluded as we are awaiting the developer’s response to the outstanding issues.
Update: 7 July 2025
Royal Canal Park – Ballymore Homes
The Taking in Charge request was received in November 2021 and forwarded to all relevant Service Divisions in December 2021. The service department’s response outlined necessary works required prior to the area being taken in charge. Engagement between Dublin City Council and the developer is ongoing to resolve the outstanding issues.
Rathborne – Castlethorn Developments
The Taking in Charge request was received in May 2023 and forwarded to the relevant Service divisions in May 2023. The service department’s response outlined necessary works required prior to the area being taken in charge. Discussions are currently ongoing between DCC and the Developers to resolve outstanding issues.