WORK has begun on a new gate linking the Botanic Gardens to Glasnevin Cemetery aimed at providing easy access to both attractions for over 1.2 million annual visitors.
Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Brian Hayes (FG), oversaw the breaching of the wall that has divided the two institutions for hundreds of years earlier this month.
The event marked commencement of construction of a pedestrian link that’s expected to be completed during the summer.
Work on the new link will involve the removal of a four metre section of existing railing, provision of a new security controlled access gate, paved steps, and a gently sloped route designed for universal access between each venue.
It’s anticipated that visitors to both the National Botanic Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery & Museum will use the link to experience the amenities of both institutions and serve as a cultural and historical connector for future generations.
The linking of the gardens with the cemetery grounds and onto the Tolka Valley Linear Park will also create a green park of over 200 acres, which when combined will be the second largest green space amenity in Dublin after Phoenix Park.
Minister Hayes said locals and tourists alike would enjoy the benefits of
“this exciting new development
?.
“It is entirely appropriate that my office, the OPW, have driven this initiative, which brings together the synergies of the National Botanic Gardens, which it manages and Glasnevin Cemetery, which through OPW, has received Government grant aid for its wonderful restoration works,
? he said.
Glasnevin Trust Chairman, John Green, also attended the breaching of the wall.
“Over 1.2 million people visit these two great amenities every year,
? he said.
“Soon we will all be able to enjoy both their similarities and differences in 200 acres of beautifully appointed historical parklands and what will be the largest traffic free zone in Dublin City.
?
The new pedestrian link has also been welcomed by Glasnevin Trust historian, Shane MacThomais.
“Over the years lots of people have asked us how to get from one site to the other,
? he said.
“This gate will make it possible for visitors to enjoy both sites with ease.
?
The National Botanic Gardens is Ireland’s premier botanical and horticultural establishment and has seen massive development since the OPW took over its management in 1992.
Since then, over 15 different projects have been carried out, including the award-winning restoration of the Turner Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House. The Gardens also host a range of cultural, scientific and educational programmes for young and old alike.
Glasnevin Trust, which owns and manages the Cemetery & Museum, has an on-going programme to restore the great Northside necropolis to its pristine glory of the early 1900s.
This programme began in 2007 and is due for completion in time for the 2016 Easter Rising centenary celebrations.