Following a Special Council Meeting on Monday 22 April 2024, Galway City Council has officially named the first bridge to span the Corrib in over 30 years, as ‘Droichead an Dóchais’.
Over 60 names were proposed by the public for the new bridge, covering ‘concepts’ such as Bridge of Dreams; geographically linked suggestions such as Corrib Jail Bridge, College Walk; and individuals including Maurice Semple, Nora Barnacle and Julia Morrissey. Council this week approved the recommendation of the Civic Naming Committee in relation to the new name for the pedestrian and cycle bridge, which opened to the public in May 2023. A formal naming ceremony will take place in the coming weeks.
Speaking about the naming, Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Eddie Hoare said the River Corrib has seen its share of people, young and old, who are suffering or have lost hope. For all those who have concerns about mental health – your own, or your loved ones - the new bridge name, Droichead an Dóchais, reminds us that there is always hope.
“For our young people especially, we want them to have hope for the future – for their future. The proposed name reflects positive action, at a time when Climate Change is an ever-present crisis - as the new pedestrian and cycle bridge makes connections for those on foot, wheeling or cycling.
“As we cross over three waterways on the new bridge, we connect with our fellow Galwegians and those visiting our city too. In times when conflict and unrest are frequent headlines, Droichead an Dóchais also reflects our hope for peace, and an end to the trauma and destruction that ordinary people are living with around the world. Ireland knew war and conflict in the past too, with the new name a reflection on the importance of peace and reconciliation. Finally, the name proposed is “as Gaeilge”, reflecting our proud status as a bilingual City,” he said.
The public were invited to make suggestions for the new bridge name from late December 2023 until 6pm on Sunday 11 February 2024. The Civic Naming Committee reviewed all proposals, in relation to the Civic Naming Protocol, and agreed unanimously to recommend ‘Droichead an Dóchais’ for consideration of the Corporate Policy Group and Council Members.
The public submissions proposing Dóchas/ Hope said the name was, “…hope for the future. In this time of challenging climate change, Galway has put in place a solid, tangible structure to enable people to use their cars less, and walk across a beautiful river, experiencing the view, the wildlife, the fresh air…”. They also said, “…due to the amount of suicide cases can we call the bridge The Bridge of Hope…”, and “…I would like the new bridge to be named HOPE. For everyone who needs it. It helps everyone cross a river and it provides safety and strength”.
Galway City Council wishes to acknowledge the people and groups who took the time to make submissions for the naming of this significant piece of infrastructure for the people of Galway.
The creativity, thought, and consideration expressed by those making submissions was greatly appreciated. There are submissions that the Civic Naming Committee will consider for other/ future commemorations, as there were several people whose service or contribution to life in Galway City were noteworthy and could be recognised in other locations/ commemorations.
Droichead an Dóchais opened in May 2023, creating a new public space for locals and tourists alike to cross over three watercourses, while taking in the wildlife, natural and built heritage around them. This new bridge was funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority’s (NTA ) Active Travel Programme and European Regional Development Funding (ERDF ).
