The second phase of work on the new linear park in Rialto (along St. James’ Walk) will start in the first week of February 2022. Works are expected to take about four months to complete.

This phase of work covers the section between Basin Lane and the bend in the Luas tracks as it runs alongside James’ Hospital. You can see the section marked in red below.

The plans for the site include:

  • New trees
  • A mix of new shrub, grass and perennial planting
  • Flower beds
  • Formal and informal seating
  • A “playful landscape” with steps, mounds, and a slide for kids
  • Accessible gym equipment
  • An “edible garden” with fruit trees and edible plants, planted in conjuntion with interested local residents and schools (starting in November 2023).

Before works begin, there will also be an archaeological assessment. This will seek to highlight the old route of the canal which previously flowed through here.

You can see a map of the final design below, or click here for the full document from the council to see it in greater detail.

This is the second part of the linear park project in the area: I think the first phase around the Fatima Luas stop area has been great, so I’m keen to see what they do with this space.

These plans followed three consultation events in 2022: two online and one in the F2 Centre in Rialto.

Once construction finishes on the National Children’s Hospital, the city council will get back some space (near Rialto Bridge and Luas stop), which will also be done up as a third phase to create a unified park.

This will link in with the park section which runs from Suir Road to Rialto Bridge, which will also be improved.

This is a fairly narrow strip of land, but one which gets great use locally. It’s great to see invenstment, thought, and improvement go into it. If you have any questions or thoughts on this project, just let me know at michael@pidgeon.ie or join the conversation on Twitter here.