30th July 2025: Sisk have been successful in a tender competition for the construction of the Commemorative Bridge project, an architecturally-designed feature bridge that crosses the River Liffey at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens (INWMG), Islandbridge, Dublin.
The bridge was designed by ritchie*studio, following a separate competition organised by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and promoted by the OPW, who is managing the project. The winning design incorporates the most slender and shallow structural arch that is technically possible. The bridge has a balustrade of stainless steel ‘reeds’, inspired by the landscape and setting of the riverbank. The shot-peened stainless steel finish will increase corrosion resistance and create a soft, light-reflecting surface.
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.
Accommodating both pedestrians and cyclists, the bridge will represent an important piece of active travel infrastructure which will integrate with existing active travel routes in the area.
Alan Rodger, Managing Director, Sisk Infrastructure said: “We are proud to have won the tender for the construction of the Commemorative Bridge. The bridge will integrate with the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan, providing a vital link in the city’s active travel infrastructure.
He added: “This a very exciting project for our infrastructure team and provides us with a unique engineering challenge. We look forward to working with the OPW and local stakeholder groups as we begin works on site.”