Dublin Port Company announces plans for new bridge over the Liffey

Dublin Port has announced plans for a new bridge across the river Liffey for lorries and a potential future Luas line.

The proposed bridge will be part of Dublin Port’s Company proposal to redevelop the south port area, called the Poolbeg Peninsula.

The scheme, known as the 3FM Project, consists of a new 2.2km Southern Port Access Route (SPAR) and opening bridge across the Liffey adjacent to the existing Tom Clarke Bridge and running parallel to the East Link Toll Road.

The company hopes that larger vehicles such as HGVs and utility vehicles will be removed from nearby public roads and onto the SPAR and thus, pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users will “benefit from a safer, less congested route for active travel across the city”.

The bridge will also be able to accommodate a possible future Luas line to Poolbeg.

As part of the project, Dublin Port Company has also proposed to construct a container terminal beside the Poolbeg Power Station.

It will have 650 metres of new berths and a 50-metre-wide dredged pocket in the river Liffey.

A new maritime village has also been proposed as part of the plans.

This will include space for local sailing and rowing clubs as well as a new boatyard, a boat hoist, and a dedicated teaching space for maritime skills training

There are also intentions for a ship turning circle in front of Pigeon House Harbour to “provide a safe area for ships to swing aro0und in, either on their arrival into Dublin Port or before they depart,” a statement from the company said.

Commenting on the 3FM project, Dublin Port chief executive Barry O’Connell said: “We are very pleased to be progressing the 3FM project – which literally means “third and final” project of Masterplan 2040.

“Growth in volumes has been driven by a vibrant economy which has resulted in an increase in household consumption but also a hugely successful export sector.

“Exports now account for 40 percent of all movements through the port with at least some of the 60% of imports also comprising of raw materials later to be exported,” he said.

“With the value of exports up to 3.5 times that of imports it is clear to see how important the export sector is to the economy and indeed, how successful the State’s FDI strategy has been.

“Dublin Port, whilst having no direct influence on demand, has a critical role to play in facilitating this economic growth which is why the 3FM project is of critical importance as we look to a future of continued economic prosperity.”