Dublin Lord Mayor, Emer Costello, was on hand yesterday to formally cut the ribbon and open the city’s €60m Samuel Beckett Bridge.

The 120-metre long, 48-metre high bridge was designed by Dr. Santiago Calatrava and spans the River Liffey, linking Guild Street on the north of the Quays to Sir John Rogerson’s Quay on the south.

The Bridge steel superstructure arrived in May 2009, having travelled from Rotterdam by barge following its fabrication, and has undergone finishing and commissioning works since then.

Dr. Calatrava also designed Dublin’s James Joyce Bridge, and was delighted to work in the city again.

"It is rare that an artist is able to contribute to the blueprint of such a historically rich city and I am deeply honoured to provide Dublin with not one, but two signature bridges," he said.

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"While working on the James Joyce Bridge, I developed a deep affinity for the people of Dublin, and I wanted my next bridge to celebrate that connection. It is my sincere hope that the bridge will serve as a monument to Dublin, honouring its past, present and future."

Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony, Lord Mayor Costello commented: "The Beckett Bridge became iconic in Dublin almost as soon as it completed its journey here from Rotterdam this May. Dublin City Council appointed Dr. Calatrava in January 1999 to design two bridges for Dublin. The James Joyce Bridge opened in June 2003 and today marks the completion of a very special engineering project. The Beckett Bridge will improve traffic circulation, public transport and the pedestrian environment in the City centre. It can also accommodate future Luas provision. It is now a central part of our transport infrastructure and it’s a huge privilege for me as Lord Mayor to open the Beckett Bridge."

The new bridge, which can rotate 90 degrees to facilitate maritime traffic, opened slightly ahead of schedule, having been due to open in early 2010. It has four traffic lanes, cycle tracks and footpaths.

Relatives of Samuel Beckett attended the event, along with actor Barry McGovern, who is known internationally for his performances as Beckett, and poet Seamus Heaney.

(NS/KMcA)