Design and Engineering

Seán Heuston Bridge, designed by George Papworth, consists of a single ornate arch in cast iron with granite abutments and was built by public subscription, the cost being £13,000.

Richard Robinson of the Phoenix Iron Works in nearby Parkgate Street supplied the castings and was responsible for erection. The quick erection period of less than one year, points to little difficulty being encountered in construction. It is most likely that piles were not used in the abutments, but the stone laid directly against the rock.

The bridge consists of seven iron ribs spanning 30 metres, the outer ribs being of a decorative appearance. The inner arch ribs are of a uniform section and depth. The outside rib is not of uniform depth, its depth decreasing towards the centre. The outside spandrel sections are jointed, there being thirteen sections in all. The transverse cross-frame is of cruciform cross-section and it has an x-shape. They are bolted onto the flange of the arch rib.

The ribs span between granite masonry abutments, the faces of which are angled, to receive the ribs. There are no seating cleats provided, however, at the bottom of the ribs at the abutment, an integrally cast bar protrudes. This is anchored to the abutment face by means of a cast iron tie ring or lug. The parapets and decorative dadoes are also of cast iron. Where this is damaged it can be seen that it was cast in two halves and bolted together.

In the 1980’s load restrictions were placed on the bridge but the construction of the LUAS tram line in 2002 allowed this bridge to be completely refurbished for use by trams and pedestrians only.