Clondalkin bridge renamed after local historian Joe Williams

South Dublin County Council has agreed to name the bridge in Clondalkin, known as the Blue Bridge, after the late local historian Joe Williams.

The decision was made in December after Independent councillor Francis Timmons tabled the proposal to the council and Williams’ family.

“I am delighted that SDCC has accepted my proposal that Clondalkin’s “Blue Bridge” be named after local historian Joe Williams,” Timmons says.

“We as a community are indebted to the late Joe Williams who’s research and the meticulous records he kept form invaluable records of Clondalkin and surrounding areas rich history.

Williams dedicated a lot of his work to uncovering Clondalkin’s local history for several before his passing in 2016.

“He became so knowledgeable in this area, he was acknowledged as a local “info hub” by his peers, by other experts and the ordinary person,” Timmons says.

“He was one of the founders of the group of local people who worked so hard to protect our Round Tower that the county council agreed and established the visitor centre and monastic garden in the shadow of the Round Tower.”

The “Blue Bridge” links the Luas Red Cow with the top of Monastery Road and the village of Clondalkin.

“It’s the largest piece of modern civil engineering in the district,” says Timmons.

“Next time you walk across the bridge, pause and look towards Dublin city.

“On a clear day you can see for miles. If the taller, modern buildings weren’t blocking your view, you could see almost all the way to Dublin Bay,” he says.

Along with the naming of the bridge, the council has also agreed to hang a picture of Joe Williams in the Clondalkin Round Tower.

“Next time you visit the Round Tower Visitor Centre, appreciate what it took to build the soaring tower about 1000 years ago (and the reasons why),” Timmons says.

“Soak in the atmosphere and the knowledge of its exhibition and its monastic garden while you enjoy the refreshments and food available from the café there.

“Maybe arrange a tour with the voluntary guides who’ll answer any questions.

“Indeed, the whole of Clondalkin is steeped in the history that Joe Williams helped so much to discover.

“Someone said recently that without Joe being at the forefront of its discovery, we wouldn’t be as aware as we are today of the important part that Clondalkin has had in the history of our district and our nation.”