Galway’s iconic pedestrian and cycle bridge, Droichead an Dóchais, has been shortlisted for a prestigious award which recognises outstanding architecture that resonates with the public.
The bridge, which has been used by thousands of people per day since it was opened in May 2023, is among the projects shortlisted for the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Public Choice Award.
Now in their 36th year, the RIAI Architecture Awards celebrate excellence in the design and delivery of buildings by Registered Architects. Voting for the Public Choice Award is open until Monday June 16. Members of the public are invited to log on to https://www.riai.ie/public-choice-award-poll/ and to cast their vote. The winning project will be announced later this month
The nomination for Droichead an Dóchais is a testament to the work of all who delivered the project on behalf of Galway City Council, including Lead Architect Seán Harrington, and John McLaughlin Architects, who worked on the post-planning stage. Staff from Galway City Council, consultant companies Arup and AtkinsRéalis, main contractors Jons Civil Engineering and fabricators Thompson of Carlow also played key roles in successfully delivering the new bridge ahead of schedule in May 2023.
Droichead an Dóchais is the first new bridge to span the Corrib in over 30 years. It has created a new public space for locals and tourists alike to take in the wildlife, natural and built heritage around them while crossing the three water courses below - the River Corrib, Peresse’s Distillery River and Friar’s River.
Droichead an Dóchais is in the shape of a salmon to reflect the culture and heritage of fishing in the salmon-rich River Corrib. It is approximately 85 metres in length and is located just 24 metres south of the existing Salmon Weir Bridge.
The bridge is lightweight and robust, with transparent parapets. It is fully accessible for people with impaired mobility, with ramps on either side. The approach spans from the west and east are paved with flamed Kilkenny limestone, in line with the Galway City Public Realm Strategy. The layout of the stone on both approaches complements the pattern of the stonework on Galway Cathedral, to the West, and the Convent of Mercy to the East. Paths from the canal bank on the east side emerge gracefully, gently sloped, with elegant stonework blending in with the canal walls which have been carefully and painstakingly conserved. The Bruach na Coirbe walkway has been extended to tie in with these paths, connecting Droichead an Dóchais with the historic Spanish Arch along a scenic riverside route for those walking, wheeling and cycling.
A glazed oculus, incorporated into both approach spans, represents the eye of a salmon and offers views of the watercourses below.
This development was funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Active Travel Programme and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), co-funded Border, Midland and Western Regional Operational Programme, administered by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.
You can vote for Droichead an Dóchais by scanning this QR Code.
