Lord Mayor of Dublin Officially Opens the Quayside Project - A Landmark Regeneration for Dublin's Docklands

Dublin City Council marked the formal launch of the Quayside Project, a flagship urban regeneration initiative on North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, with a ceremony led by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam.

This transformative development delivers two major civic assets to the heart of the Docklands:

A new Docklands Office, serving as a key local government hub for city management and community engagement.

A state-of-the-art Water Sports Centre, designed to promote access to the River Liffey and support a range of aquatic and recreational activities.  

Speaking at the launch event, Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam said, "There couldn’t be a better day, than Be Active Day, on which to launch this project. The Quayside Project will serve as a hub for promoting healthy lifestyles and wellness across all ages, on and beside the River Liffey. The Docklands Office will provide an important civic presence, while the Water Sports Centre invites Dubliners to rediscover the Liffey as a space for activity, learning, and enjoyment. The Quayside Project is now officially launched, and it belongs to all who live, work, and visit this great city."

Today’s launch celebrates a bold vision that reimagines the River Liffey as a vibrant and unifying heart of Dublin’s public life.

Alongside its core buildings, the Quayside Project introduces a number of public realm and infrastructure enhancements:

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  • Extended Pontoons along the riverfront, improving accessibility for water-based activities and events.  These upgrades also provide improved facilities for the Dublin Fire Brigade Water Rescue Service and the Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit, a voluntary organisation.
  • Architectural Glulam Structures: Two engineered timber frame structures—supporting the Jeanie Johnston visitor attraction and the new Water Sports Centre—offering a blend of strength, sustainability, and architectural elegance.
  • Enhanced Public Realm: A significantly upgraded riverside environment, including an extended boardwalk, sponsored by the NTA, creating a vibrant new amenity for residents and visitors alike.

These improvements aim to reinvigorate the Docklands as a vibrant civic space, supporting active transport, tourism, environmental engagement, and cultural life.

With all facilities now commissioned and a full water sports programme will be available in the coming months, the Quayside Project stands as a testament to effective public leadership, high-quality design, and long-term investment in Dublin's urban future.

As Dublin continues to grow and evolve, the Docklands will serve as a model for waterfront development that is sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in local identity.

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 ENDS