University signs deal for €16m campus bridge

THE University of Limerick yesterday signed a €15.8 million contract for the longest pedestrian bridge to be built in this country.

Eiffel Construction, France’s largest bridge builder will erect The Living Bridge – An Droichead Beo, a 350-metre bridge will link the northern and southern elements of the university’s campus.

A UL spokesperson said: “The bridge will form a vital link between the library, concert hall and Millstream developments on the Limerick shore, and the health sciences and Irish World Performing Arts Village on the north campus, which is situated in County Clare.”

The design by Wilkinson Eyre Architects from London will include four “platforms”, which will accommodate social gatherings, informal teaching sessions, music and dance performances — as well as a wide array of educational, social and cultural activities.

Professor Roger Downer, President of UL, said: “We are delighted that this concept is coming to fruition.

“The Living Bridge will be situated at the heart of the expanded UL campus and will become a well-known landmark and a place for contemplation in the most inspiring of surroundings... whilst also linking the two shores of the Shannon.”

At yesterday’s signing was John R Healy, chief executive of the Atlantic Philanthropies, which has contributed more than €100m to UL. Prof Downer said: “Without the financial support of Atlantic Philanthropies, the construction of many key elements of the UL campus would not have possible.”

Mr Healy said his organisation’s views UL as a place with an outstanding leadership. “Foundations can’t do their business without good organisations to give money to, and in the University of Limerick we found such an organisation. It has used the money which we made available to it wisely.”