The Office of Public Works has announced the 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.
