OPW welcomes progress on works to the Commemorative Bridge, Irish National War Memorial Gardens, Dublin 8

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to announce awarding of the contract to John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd. for the construction of the Commemorative Bridge project at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens (INWMG), Islandbridge, Dublin 8.

The competition was organised by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and was promoted by the OPW who is managing the project. A one stage competition was conducted for the architectural and structural design of a simple span bridge over the River Liffey. Competitors prepared designs for a new cycle and pedestrian bridge, crossing the River Liffey with minimal adverse environmental impact.

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens were designed by the internationally renowned architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the First World War. The Commemorative Bridge represents a unique opportunity to complete Lutyen’s vision for the Gardens while enhancing the accessibility to the INWMG, and improving the visitor experience. The unique location of the proposed bridge will improve cultural and heritage linkages between the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Kilmainham Gaol, the Magazine Fort and the wider Phoenix Park.

Beyond the cultural and heritage impacts, the proposed bridge will represent an important piece of active travel infrastructure which will integrate with existing active travel routes in the area.

Construction will commence shortly on this exciting project. The project is co-funded by the OPW and National Transport Authority.

ENDS

For more information about this or to arrange an interview please contact the OPW Press Office at pressoffice@opw.ie.

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The Irish National War Memorial Gardens are dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the First World War. The name of every single soldier is contained in the sumptuously illustrated Harry Clarke manuscripts in the granite book rooms. The Gardens were designed by the internationally renowned architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), whose iconic building, landscape and war memorial works are well known. Lutyen’s original design intention was to create a three-arched bridge, built on the central axis of the main lawn. Although the INWMG were constructed during Lutyens lifetime, the powerful symbolism of the river, its crossing, and the connectivity with the Phoenix Park are yet to be realised. However, now in 2025, this new commemorative bridge is the realisation of Lutyens intension.

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens offer an opportunity for the visitor to reflect on the sacrifices of World War One and in World War Two, in a quiet and contemplative way. The Gardens play an important role in building North South relations with ceremonies being held each July to mark the Battle of the Somme. Queen Elizabeth II also visited the Gardens during the first State visit from the British Royal Family to Ireland.

Procurement

The competition for the design of the Bridge was promoted by The Office of Public Works who is managing the project. The competition was organised by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). A One Stage competition was conducted for the architectural and structural design of a simple span bridge over the River Liffey. Competitors prepared designs for a new cycle and pedestrian bridge, crossing the River Liffey with minimal adverse environmental impact.

Following the announcement of Ritchie Studios as winning designers, OPW and the Design Team progressed the design through full planning and procurement of the main contractors.

Active Travel

The project is co-funded by the OPW and National Transport Authority.

The bridge will integrate with the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan, providing a vital link in the city’s active travel infrastructure. Overall, the commemorative bridge will serve as a key enabler of cultural tourism, sustainable transport, and urban regeneration, reinforcing Dublin’s heritage while facilitating future growth.

Research shows that investments in active travel infrastructure led to increased walking and cycling, supporting health benefits by reducing the risk of chronic illnesses and improving overall well-being. In turn, this also influences environmental factors, for example in Ireland, an increase in the cycling rate up to 10% of work and education commuters, has the potential to decrease emissions by 0.3 MT of CO₂ annually by 2030. Furthermore, investment in active travel infrastructure can boost economic activity, boost quality of life and therefore enhance Dublin’s competitiveness as a destination for international investment.

NTA’s Cycling Propensity Scenarios show potential demand for cycling as based on increasing incentives such as improved active travel infrastructure. Using this tool, the baseline scenario for the area around the INWMG by 2028 is for cycling activity accounts to 5.6% of modal share in the area.

The new bridge will draw pedestrians and cyclists and facilitate a seamless and natural flow from either side of the river, while creating an iconic focal point for locals and tourists alike to take in the views of the River Liffey, the Salmon Weir, the boat clubs, wildlife, natural and built heritage in the area – providing not only a piece of transport infrastructure, but an architectural and urban amenity space.

The socio-economic and sustainable merits of the bridge include enhancing links between both sides of the river, supporting sustainable and active modes of transport, between significant populations in the local communities, tourist destinations, schools, and the City Centre core.

Stakeholders

Given its location, all of the stakeholders were consulted extensively. These include UCD boat club and Dublin City Council.

Consultation with UCD as the closest neighbours to the site has taken place. UCD is satisfied with the OPW’s commitment to cooperate with the UCD boat club and to provide all necessary arrangements where possible for uninterrupted service for the club.