Liffey Plastic Waste Turned Into Dublin’s New Public Art

Dublin has recently revealed a striking new piece of public art on North Wall Quay—an installation that merges creativity with sustainability. The artwork, a pair of uniquely designed benches, has been crafted from recycled plastic retrieved directly from the River Liffey.

This innovative piece not only serves as a functional seating area but also brings attention to the growing issue of waste in Dublin’s waterways, offering a meaningful commentary on environmental responsibility and the city’s relationship with its natural surroundings.

The artist behind the installation, Rhona Byrne, drew inspiration from the flowing currents and dynamic movements of the Liffey itself. “I wanted the benches to capture that sense of motion, like the wave left by a boat cutting through the water,” she explained.

The unusual, undulating shape of the benches reflects this idea, symbolising the restless energy of the river, while also providing a practical space for people to sit, relax, and reflect on their urban environment.

Titled “Restless: Liffey Love,” the artwork was commissioned by Dublin City Council as part of the Government’s Per Cent for Art scheme, which dedicates 1% of the budget from publicly funded infrastructure projects to art.

This initiative has allowed the city to bring creativity into public spaces, making a closer connection between Dublin’s residents and its urban landscape. Byrne mentioned that while the design might appear abstract, the benches are indeed functional. “They’re actually really comfortable,” she assured. “There are different ways to sit or perch, so it invites people to interact with the piece in various ways.”

The location of the benches is significant as well. Positioned along the quays between the National Convention Centre and the 3Arena, the installation sits at the heart of a bustling area where locals and tourists alike traverse the city. Byrne hopes the artwork will encourage passersby to pause, take a moment to rest, and appreciate the beauty of the river flowing alongside them.

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More than just a place to sit, she envisions the benches becoming a cultural landmark—a site where people can come together for events, discussions, and even debates about issues like marine health, urban waste, and environmental stewardship. “We hope to program events and talks on the sculpture, creating a dialogue around how we care for our city and its natural resources,” Byrne added.

What makes “Restless: Liffey Love” even more remarkable is the story behind its creation. The colourful plastic used to form the benches was provided by Paltech Polymer Engineering, a company specialising in recycled materials.

The design was brought to life by Billings Jackson Design and Steel Smith, merging creative vision with cutting-edge engineering. The raw material—one million individual pieces of plastic—was gathered from the River Liffey by the “Liffey Sweeper,” a boat operated by the Irish Nautical Trust.

The Irish Nautical Trust plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the river, working tirelessly to remove waste before it can flow into Dublin Bay.

According to the Trust’s CEO, Jimmy Murray, the types of waste they collect range from plastic bags and bottles to children’s toys, tires, and even wood. “We get a wide variety of materials, not just plastic,” Murray noted, pressing upon the challenge posed by underwater waste as well. “A lot of the plastic we collect is floating beneath the surface, which we recover using a bucket attached to the front of the boat.”

Currently, the Trust’s operations manage to recover approximately 40% of the plastic in the Liffey. However, Murray is optimistic about the future.

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His team has designed a new system that could potentially recover up to 90% of the waste from the river, significantly improving their efforts to protect the local environment. “We just need the funding to implement it,” he said, highlighting the need for continued support from organisations like Dublin Port, Dublin City Council, and Dublin Waste to Energy, which currently fund their operations.

The uncovering of “Restless: Liffey Love” was met with enthusiasm, as many attendees tested the comfort and design of the benches for themselves.

The playful, wave-like structure proved popular, with several people perching on its curves or lounging on the smooth surface. The installation not only passed the public’s “sitting test” but also sparked conversations about its future role in the city’s cultural and environmental landscape.

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Now, as the artwork takes its place as part of Dublin’s streetscape, it remains to be seen how locals will respond. Byrne is hopeful that the benches will become a beloved feature of the area and that Dubliners might even come up with their own affectionate nickname for this vibrant addition to the city.

More than just a piece of public art, “Restless: Liffey Love” stands as a symbol of Dublin’s commitment to sustainability, creativity, and community—a reminder that even waste can be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful.