The Living Bridge ( ga, An Droichead Beo) is a pedestrian bridge across the

River Shannon The River Shannon ( ga, Abhainn na Sionainne, ', '), at in length, is the longest river in the British Isles. It drains the Shannon River Basin, which has an area of , – approximately one fifth of the area of the island of Ireland. The Shan ...

linking the University of Limerick’s premises in County Limerick and County Clare. The bridge was designed by Arup Engineers & Wilkinson Eyre Architects to provide social and cultural space to encourage pedestrians to rest a while as they cross along the gently curved structure. At this point on the Shannon it is wide and shallow with many wooded islands which provide varied views and support for the

piers Piers may refer to: * Pier, a raised structure over a body of water * Pier (architecture), an architectural support * Piers (name), a given name and surname (including lists of people with the name) * Piers baronets, two titles, in the baronetages ...

. The deck is supported by two underslung catenary cables. Financed through a Public-private partnership, construction was undertaken by

Eiffel Constructions Metalliques Eiffel (French ''Eiffel Constructions métalliques'') is part of the Eiffage group and the descendant of the engineering company Société des Établissements Eiffel founded by Gustave Eiffel, designer of the Eiffel Tower. Notable structures * ...

and completed in November 2007 at a cost of €12 million. At 350 metres it is the longest pedestrian bridge in Ireland.

Awards and commendations

RIBA European Awards and Institution of Structural Engineers winner structural awards 2008 (Pedestrian Bridges). French Steel Construction Syndicate declared it as the most beautiful steel work (Bridges Category) in 2008.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Living Bridge Pedestrian bridges in the Republic of Ireland Bridges in the Republic of Ireland Buildings and structures in Limerick (city) Buildings and structures in County Limerick Buildings and structures in County Clare Bridges completed in 2007 River Shannon University of Limerick