East-Link (Dublin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tom Clarke BridgeDroichead Thomáis Uí Chléirigh |
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The bridge from the south bank of the Liffey looking downstream
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| Coordinates | 53°20′45″N 6°13′39″W / 53.3457°N 6.2274°W |
| Crosses | River Liffey |
| Locale | Dublin |
| Maintained by | Dublin City Council |
| Preceded by | Samuel Beckett Bridge |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Bascule bridge |
| History | |
| Construction cost | £8 million |
| Opened | 21 October 1984 |
| Statistics | |
| Daily traffic | 14,000-17,000 |
| Toll |
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The Tom Clarke Bridge (Irish: Droichead Thomáis Uí Chléirigh) is a special type of bridge in Dublin, Ireland. It used to be called the East-Link Toll Bridge. This bridge crosses the River Liffey and is owned by Dublin City Council.
It's a lifting bridge, which means parts of it can go up. This allows tall boats to pass underneath. The bridge connects the North Wall area to Ringsend. It is the very last bridge on the Liffey before the river flows into Dublin Port and then out to Dublin Bay.
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Why is the Tom Clarke Bridge Important?
Connecting Dublin's East Side
The Tom Clarke Bridge is the most eastern way to cross the Liffey River. Before this bridge was built, people used ferries to get across. Ferries are boats that carry people and vehicles. These ferries had been used at this spot since as early as 1655.
The bridge was opened for cars and trucks in October 1984. It was first built by a company called NTR. Later, on December 31, 2015, the bridge became fully controlled by Dublin City Council.
How the Bridge Helps Traffic
The main part of Dublin city is to the west of the bridge. The Tom Clarke Bridge helps connect roads on the eastern side of Dublin. This makes it easier for people to travel around the city.
The Dublin Port Tunnel also ends near the bridge. This tunnel helps move traffic quickly. Most of Dublin's busy docklands are located to the east of the bridge.
Allowing Ships to Pass
Because it's a lifting bridge, the Tom Clarke Bridge can open up. It lifts its middle section to let river traffic, like large ships, pass through. On average, the bridge opens about three times every day.
In 2016, between 14,000 and 17,000 vehicles crossed the bridge each day. Lorries (trucks) and cars pay a fee to cross. This fee is called a toll. People can pay with cash or special electronic tokens. Motorcycles and bicycles can cross the bridge for free. The place where you pay the toll is on the south side of the bridge, in the Ringsend area.
The Bridge's Name
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At first, the bridge was simply called the East-Link bridge. This was a simple name that described its location. However, it was later officially renamed the Thomas Clarke Bridge.
President Michael D. Higgins renamed the bridge to honor Thomas Clarke. Thomas Clarke was an important Irish republican. This means he was a person who believed Ireland should be an independent country.
The renaming ceremony happened on May 3, 2016. This date was special because it marked 100 years since Thomas Clarke was shot. He was shot in Kilmainham Gaol because of his part in the 1916 Easter Rising. The Easter Rising was a major event where Irish people fought for their independence.
Bridge Incidents
In October 1985, a ship called the MV Miranda Guinness crashed into the bridge. This ship was carrying Guinness beer and was on its way to Liverpool.
