MADE FROM PLASTIC RECOVERED FRON THE LIFFEY
Restless: Liffey Love - A Sculpture Born from the River's Embrace
Dublin's River Liffey has long been a source of inspiration and a vital artery for the city. Now, it's also given birth to a unique piece of art, one that serves as a powerful reminder of the need to care for our environment.
"Restless: Liffey Love" is a striking new sculpture unveiled on the banks of the Liffey. What makes it truly special is its origin: it was created entirely from recycled plastic waste pulled from the river itself.
Artist Rhona Byrne was inspired to create the piece after taking up sailing during the Covid lockdowns. She spent time on the Liffey Sweeper boat, witnessing firsthand the tireless efforts of the Irish Nautical Trust to clean up the river. The plastic collected over eight months was transformed into the colourful polymer material that forms the sculpture.
This collaborative project involved Dublin City Council, the Irish Nautical Trust, Paltech (a polymer engineering company), Billings Jackson (urban design firm), and SteelSmith (engineering and fabrication). It's a testament to what can be achieved when different groups come together with a shared vision.
The sculpture's launch was a joyful occasion, with the Liffey Loves singing group performing songs they'd written especially for the event. Deputy Lord Mayor Donna Cooney, who leads the group, was also on hand to officiate.
"Restless: Liffey Love" is more than just a beautiful artwork. It's a celebration of community, a call to action for environmental responsibility, and a testament to the power of creativity to transform even the most discarded materials into something meaningful.
Dublin's River Liffey has long been a source of inspiration and a vital artery for the city. Now, it's also given birth to a unique piece of art, one that serves as a powerful reminder of the need to care for our environment.
"Restless: Liffey Love" is a striking new sculpture unveiled on the banks of the Liffey. What makes it truly special is its origin: it was created entirely from recycled plastic waste pulled from the river itself.
Artist Rhona Byrne was inspired to create the piece after taking up sailing during the Covid lockdowns. She spent time on the Liffey Sweeper boat, witnessing firsthand the tireless efforts of the Irish Nautical Trust to clean up the river. The plastic collected over eight months was transformed into the colourful polymer material that forms the sculpture.
This collaborative project involved Dublin City Council, the Irish Nautical Trust, Paltech (a polymer engineering company), Billings Jackson (urban design firm), and SteelSmith (engineering and fabrication). It's a testament to what can be achieved when different groups come together with a shared vision.
The sculpture's launch was a joyful occasion, with the Liffey Loves singing group performing songs they'd written especially for the event. Deputy Lord Mayor Donna Cooney, who leads the group, was also on hand to officiate.
"Restless: Liffey Love" is more than just a beautiful artwork. It's a celebration of community, a call to action for environmental responsibility, and a testament to the power of creativity to transform even the most discarded materials into something meaningful.
MADE FROM PLASTIC RECOVERED FRON THE LIFFEY