With dozens of bridges likely to be built over the next five years as the roads programme of the National Development Plan is rolled out, greater emphasis needs to be placed on their design quality, according to the Arts Council, writes Frank McDonald, Environment Editor.
In collaboration with the National Roads Authority, the council is holding a day-long conference next week to highlight the need for excellence in the design of motorway and other road bridges throughout the State.
Speakers include Mr Ben van Berkel, a Dutch architect whose bridges have won international acclaim; Prof Sean de Courcy, who will talk about the visual expression of concrete bridges, and award-winning architect Tom de Paor.
Further information on the conference, which takes place on June 21st at the O'Reilly Hall in UCD, Belfield, may be obtained from Antoinette O'Neill at the Arts Council, tel.: (01) 6180266.