Liffey bridge architect hits back at objectors

Liffey bridge architect hits back at objectors

12 Apr 1995

THE proposed new footbridge over the Liffey will be totally accessible to the disabled and parents with buggies, its architect said.

The 48 metre, canopied Poddle Bridge is designed to join Lower Ormond Quay on the northside and Wellington Quay to the south.

Today an oral opened hearing on the at An Bord Pleanala.

The applicants Temple Properties ure appealing against decision by Dublin proposal. Corporation veto the proposal.

Among the objectors are the Irish Georgian An Taisce as well as planners and a number residents in the area.

The architect who designed the bridge, Michael McGarry said the structure followed guidelines from the NRB (National Rehab Board) as regards accessibility for the ambulance, disabled, those in wheelchairs and parents with buggies

“There are no steps” Mr McGarry explained.

He said the bridge had been designed to blend in with the muted colours of the city and would have a hardwood deck and a copper canopy which would give a “spatial and acoustic quality”

An Taisce object to impact on the character of the River Liffey and the Quays especially because of the roof.

Corporation planners believed that the bridge qould constitute a dense netow of tubular steel making it appear “heavy” rather than light.

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