Restoration of the 200 year old canal began in 1974 and continues to extend the navigable route open to leisure craft.

The original lock gates were removed in the 1950s. Since then, the southern section of the canal has been subject to the tide, making it practically inaccessible for much of the time. The restoration project includes building new lock gates to enable more people to access the Royal Canal and provide extra flood protection for Dublin.

The project will take place within an overall programme creating a new ‘linear park’ along the Royal Canal. Royal Haskoning’s role includes the concept design for the restoration of the sea lock. A range of disciplines from in-house specialists are involved, including mechanical and electrical engineering, hydraulics, hydrology, structural engineering, archaeology, and environmental appraisal.

The team will provide contract documents and oversee the tender process to find a ‘design and construct’ contractor, and be involved in a contract administration and site supervision capacity. The work has been commissioned by Dublin Docklands Development Authority, who are working in partnership with Dublin City Council, Waterways Ireland and Iarnród Éireann.

“The lock will be an important component of the new linear park, said Royal Haskoning’s Eric Huyskes. “We are really looking forward to combining all aspects that play a role in progressing the project and dealing with the challenges that are typical to restoration projects of this nature.”

Chris Mitchell of Dublin Docklands Development Authority said the restoration of the sea lock is very important to many organisations, especially as it will see such an important part of Dublin's Heritage being restored to modern use.