Liffey-side is due to get another facelift this year as construction of a second boardwalk gets under way. It will run from O'Connell Bridge to Butt Bridge on the north quays.
Construction of the walkway is to begin in October or November, with a completion date for early summer 2004.
The development will stretch 240 metres along Eden Quay, and will be an extension of the present boardwalk which runs from O'Connell Bridge to Grattan Bridge on the north quays.
Dublin city architect Mr Jim Bennett said yesterday they were anxious to keep the same design in place, which has worked very well, while also promoting continuity to the east and west of O'Connell Bridge.
He hopes it will be completed with minimal disruption to motorists.
"This time we are going to build from the water side of the boardwalk, and not the road side. We learned from the last time."
The project will generate a link between the dockland area and the city centre. "It will act as a catalyst to lift the area to the east of O'Connell Street. It's a different sort of place, with a different environment to where the existing boardwalk is."
According to a Dublin City Council spokesperson the €2.6 million cost of the project will be shared between the Dublin City Council and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.
Principal architect Mr Michael McGarry said planners were anxious not to disrupt any old features on the river.
"There are two sets of stairs on the quay wall, which will be maintained and kept in use. The walkway will attach onto the quay wall as little as possible."
Chief executive of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, Mr Peter Coyne, welcomes the project. "We are working on lighting designs also. The overall plan is to improve the pleasantness of the area and the pedestrian environment."
Dublin City Council also has plans for a footbridge across the Liffey between O'Connell Bridge and Butt Bridge at Marlborough Street, which is expected to coincide with the redevelopment of the Abbey site. There are also plans for a boardwalk from Butt Bridge to Matt Talbot Bridge.