Waterways Ireland seek to develop our Dublin canal and docklands assets: to reimagine how locals and visitors experience and traverse the city and surrounding areas; to transform the docklands into a giant urban playground for people of all ages, abilities, and interests; to showcase heritage assets including Sea Lock Gates dating from 1796; to make a climate positive impact through traffic reduction by hosting more journeys on our Greenways. Waterways Ireland’s ambition is the sustainable development of iconic / transformative projects which ‘make a difference’ at scale nationally and internationally, to deliver for the public good.
Waterways Ireland owns the freehold interest for the site identified as City Block 19, in the North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) Planning Scheme. Waterways Ireland concluded the transfer from National Asset Property Management of a leasehold interest which includes the graving docks, in July of this year, bringing the City Block 19 site fully within its ownership.
The graving docks are of significant architectural, historical, archaeological, cultural and technical interest. The graving docks, and the entirety of Grand Canal Dock canal basin, including all quay walls, are listed on Dublin City Council’s Record of Protected Structures (RPS 8844 and RPS 8847) and have statutory protection. They are located within a Conservation Area as set out in the Dublin City Council Development Plan 2022-2028 (Zoning Objective Z11). The legal protection given to the graving docks is such that any redevelopment of City Block 19 would have to take place with the docks in situ. The site is subject to the following development designation: 30% Community – Recreational – Cultural / 30% Commercial / 40% Residential.
Waterways Ireland has a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Failte Ireland and under this agreement, are undertaking a joint Strategic Asset Development Strategy for our infrastructural and natural assets in the Greater Dublin area. The purpose of this is to develop our canal and docklands assets to their full potential, thereby delivering social, economic, and sustainability benefits to the communities of Dublin and to local, domestic and international visitors.
The jointly-formulated strategy will be delivered in late 2025. It will provide a framework for potential development incorporating delivery of the 30% Community – Recreational – Cultural element. Participation by all is at the heart of policy and decision-making within Waterways Ireland - ensuring we deliver amenities which are accessible and inclusive. In the short to medium term, Waterways Ireland has operational requirements for the land at City Block 19, including facilitation of significant infrastructural repair works to the Sea Lock Gates at Camden Lock. Waterways Ireland will need full control and access to the graving dock site in preparation for and during these works. These works which will once again facilitate the entrance of sea-going craft, including tall ships, into Grand Canal Dock, which was the largest dock in the world, when it originally opened in 1796. A group of 3 Sea Locks of varying sizes - Camden, Buckingham & Westmoreland - were built in the same year to connect the River Liffey to Grand Canal Dock. Camden Lock formally opened by the Lord Lieutenant Earl of Camden, was the last and largest to be constructed taking almost 5 years to complete. It was built with granite stone-faced walls and granite copings backed with limestone. The three Sea Lock Gates are formally protected under the Dublin City Council Development Plan Record of Protected structures. Restoring Camden Lock to its former glory will facilitate opening the Grand Canal Dock for Tall Ships and other larger vessels and will maintain, preserve, and protect a heritage asset.
Waterways Ireland very much appreciate, welcome and understand the interest in the site and is committed to engagement with local people, communities and all stakeholders.
Waterways Ireland will also hold an extensive public consultation process, encouraging all stakeholders to have a say in how this unique part of Dublin is reimagined. This will take place following completion of the joint Strategic Asset Development Strategy in late 2025. We are committed to a transparent process where consideration will be given to all suggestions and concerns.