A boardwalk along the North Quay and a book market on Capel Street Bridge are two proposed projects developed by Dublin Corporation to increase interest on the River Liffey between Heuston Station and O'Connell Street. The projects will cost an estimated £2.1 million in total.
The boardwalk proposal, if it proceeds, will run along the North Quay from O'Connell Street Bridge to Grattan Bridge (Capel Street), and will cost an estimated £1 million. It has been designed by McGarry Ni Eanaigh Architects, Drogheda, Co Louth.
Three metres wide and 565m long, the boardwalk will be accessed from Grattan and O'Connell Street bridges, from the Ha'penny bridge and from other points along its length through new openings in the quay wall.
Its architects say it can be used as a venue for markets. It will be illuminated at night by lights underneath it. It will end at the proposed Grattan Bridge Book Market, which will use existing space on the bridge and a widened pavement on the western side to accommodate four kiosks that will be leased to businesses to make up a book market. The bridge will also have shelter breaks.
There will be one less traffic lane on the bridge. There will also be room for bicycle parking and two proposed tourist information kiosks on the eastern side. The architects' proposals say these kiosks and shelter breaks, with glazed screens, will act as wind breaks, reduce traffic noise and provide wind and rain shelter.
The total estimated cost of the Grattan Bridge Book Market is £1.1 million. The bridge will also have new seats and street lighting, according to the proposals.
There will be steps leading down to a pontoon on the western junction with Ormond Quay to provide a sheltered space.
Substantial environmental work will be needed on the bridge's corners. The solid flank walls at the corners of the bridge will be replaced with bollards and guardings. This development is designed to link the Temple Bar and Jervis Street shopping areas.
These proposals were shown to a Dublin Corporation planning meeting on Tuesday. City architect Mr Jim Barrett said the projects are part of a plan to "develop the river area and increase links between the north and south of the city".