Last Friday, May 31, Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Eddie Hoare unveiled a plaque to mark the official naming of ‘Droichead an Dóchais’, the pedestrian and cycle bridge located adjacent to the Salmon Weir Bridge.
The name ‘Droichead an Dóchais’ was among over 60 suggestions proposed in a public engagement process which ran from December 2023 to February 2024.
Members of the public who proposed Dóchas (Hope ) as the bridge name included Linda Keohane of Furbo; Loretto King of Bohermore; and service users of Anam Croí in Claregalway, which provides a Day Centre and Housing units that support older people to live independently. The three were present at Friday’s launch when they were presented with a certificate by Mayor Hoare to commemorate their suggestions which ultimately inspired the final name of the new bridge.
The submissions proposing Dóchais as the name of the bridge said the name symbolised, “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’”. As well as, “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’s 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 name was formally adopted by elected members at a special meeting of Galway City Council in April 2024, and a number of Councillors were also among those present at Friday’s formal naming ceremony.
Originally known as the Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, it is now one year since Droichead an Dóchais first opened to the public in May 2023. It is the first new bridge to span the Corrib in over 30 years and allows for a safe, comfortable crossing of the River Corrib for whose walking, wheeling and cycling.
Droichead an Dóchais, which is used by thousands of people each day, has also created 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.
