The importance of the waterways that bound three sides of the study area is apparent in the culture and the traditions of the Ringsend and Irishtown communities, yet the physical connections to them have been compromised as a result of various developments over the past number of decades – as at the East Link (Tom Clarke Bridge) and O’Rahily and Whelan Hse residential developments. The loss of a physical connection between the community and the waterways diminishes the rich cultural and traditional links between the two. Furthermore, with the traditional employment opportunities associated with the docks all but gone, traditional connections with the Docks are virtually lost for future generations of the area.
There is the potential to reconnect the local population back with the Dodder by constructing a boardwalk along the east bank of the river, backing onto the O’Rahily and Whelan Hse. This will also tie in with the ‘Green Way Strategy’ currently within the City Development Plan. Bringing the cycleway up Fitwilliam Quay along the proposed boardwalk and across Tom Clarke bridge or the future pedestrian bridge aiming to link across to Grand Canal Square. Although ambitious, this would breathe life back into this corridor and encourage future development along the banks of the Dodder while restoring a strong physical connection between the River Dodder and Ringsend Village.