Minister Kevin Moran welcomes construction commencement for the Commemorative Bridge at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge, Dublin

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Kevin “Boxer” Moran T.D., today welcomed the official beginning of the construction of the much anticipated Commemorative Bridge over the River Liffey on the site of the Irish National War Memorial Gardens (INWMG) at Islandbridge, Dublin.

The gardens were established in 1938 to commemorate the 49,400 Irish soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and are of significant historical, cultural, horticultural and architectural importance.

This Commemorative Bridge will include a dedicated cycle path and pedestrian route while creating a new formal entrance to the Gardens from the Chapelizod Road. The bridge will link the INWMG with Phoenix Park and improve access to key cultural attractions such as Kilmainham Gaol, the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and the Magazine Fort. The bridge will enhance the experience for nearly half a million visitors each year by creating a new landmark public space while offering a more majestic and accessible entrance to the gardens.

Minister Moran said, ‘Here in one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe, I am delighted to turn the sod and witness the commencement of the construction works on this long anticipated commemorative Bridge. This bridge when completed will provide a focal point joining many historic and heritage sites on both sides of the Liffey, while becoming a vital integral link in the city’s active travel infrastructure.”

The original concept for the bridge can be traced back to the gardens landscape architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) and has been a long time ambition of both the Memorial Committee Trustees and the OPW, to realise Lutyens’ plans in full.

In 2019, the OPW commissioned an open international design competition, with the support of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, to design a commemorative bridge for the INWMG. The design competition, which attracted over 60 entries from nine different countries, was won by London-based Ritchie Studio. Richie Studio and their design team of Equals, Cronin and Sutton and Schlaich Bergermann partner have realised the bridge design to construction stage.

Planning permission was granted in 2024 and after a public procurement process, John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd have been awarded the contract to construct the Irish National War Memorial Gardens Commemorative Bridge. University College Dublin have facilitated this project, which will in time also benefit the rowing clubs along the Liffey.

The project is jointly funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Office of Public Works (OPW). Construction is due to be completed in Q1 2027.

NOTES

Background

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens (INWMG) are a significant part of Ireland’s cultural heritage infrastructure. They are also internationally recognized as a significant example of Memorial Landscape Architecture. The INWMG are managed & maintained by the OPW in association a board of Trustees.

The Irish National War Memorial Garden is one of four gardens in Ireland designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944). The others are at Heywood Gardens, Lambay Island and Howth Castle. The Memorial Gardens were created to commemorate the estimated 49,400 Irishmen who died during the First World War of 1914-1918 and the estimated 300,000 who fought for the British Army.

The focal point of the INWMG is a lawn containing a Great War stone, inscribed with ‘Their Name Liveth for Evermore’. This stone is surrounded by a cross and two circular fountains that are in turn enclosed by pairs of book rooms’ and pergolas. Sunken rose gardens are located on either side of the main lawn, with lily ponds at their base.

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens are located at a place of great Historical, Cultural and Geographic importance. The River Liffey is central to the historic development of the city and has been dramatically altered by the formation of the weir at Islandbridge. The significance of military history at this location is not just associated with the INWMG but also nearby structures and historic events including the Magazine Fort, Kilmainham Goal, Arbour Hill, the 1916 Rising and the Viking invasion. These together create a significant and identifiable Heritage Quarter where the Commemorative Bridge can establish a new link and focus point.

The delivery of this elegant civic infrastructure by the Office of Public Works will connect the Gardens with the Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. The bridge will provide new opportunities for the existing and emerging local communities of all ages and abilities, and for visitors.

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.