Reimagining the Grand Canal at Clonburris – Stakeholder Engagement

The Grand Canal forms a primary landscape structure within the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone, operating in parallel as ecological corridor, movement route and cultural landmark. In 2023, MOLA Architecture led a multi-party engagement process to consider how this national waterway could become an integral component of the new neighbourhood while retaining its ecological designation and historic character. Over a sequence of workshops from October to December, representatives from South Dublin County Council, Waterways Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, developers and community groups participated in site walks, mapping exercises and design discussions to shape a shared vision for the Canal corridor.

A strategic summary report published in 2024 captured emerging themes of ecology, heritage, access, water-based recreation and placemaking, and identified a first demonstration project phase between Fonthill Road and Lock 10 to allow controlled public access as new residents arrive in Clonburris.

The study defined principles for ecological set-backs, discrete and respectful points of entry, bridge connections, wayfinding and the potential reuse of Omer Lock House as a community building. Collectively, the work illustrates how collaborative governance can guide a nationally significant landscape into public use while sustaining both its environmental and cultural value.