The OPW has announced the awarding of the contract for the construction of the Commemorative Bridge project at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens (INWMG), Islandbridge, Dublin 8 to Sisk.

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.

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.

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