***UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2024*** A contractor was due to be appointed to the Liffey Vale biodiversity centre in the summer of this year. Unfortunately, due to staffing issues in Dublin City Council, the project tender has not been issued yet. I will update this page again when I have more news.
Last year, as part of the Chapelizod Festival, Éanna Ní Lamhna brought a group on a biodiversity walk along the Liffey. It was a fascinating evening – we didn’t walk very far, because it seemed like every few steps there was something new to talk about, some insects or plants that opened up a whole world of science and folklore.
Just downstream from where we walked, a new biodiversity centre will be opening soon. Liffey Vale House is being rebuilt, with a classroom, cafe, and toilets, and the grounds will be a mix of gardens and natural wilderness. You can see the plans here (PDF). It should be a great spot to bring kids to learn about biodiversity, and will attract tourists cycling out along the Liffey, or coming from Phoenix Park.