A Linear Park on the Royal Canal was to create a significant new public space for people and nature in the Dublin Docklands. The six-hectare garden – a green continuum where the banks and the canal become a single space stretching from North Strand Road to the River Liffey – & include spaces for relaxation, walks and sports, while making new connections to the surrounding neighbourhoods. The design sought to eliminate the separation between the banks and the canal itself and to make a singular park across the full width of the space. To achieve this; the distinction of land and water was blurred by the introduction of some water basins on land and some planted land contained on floating pontoons into the water basin. These pontoons allowed a dramatic seasonal relocation of sections of the park. With the intention of activating the entire park, active and contemplative programme elements were distributed throughout as opposed to being concentrated in a single area. Active functions included children’s play areas, multi-sport platforms, a kayak club and a skate park. Contemplative functions included gardens, water basins and café pavilions.

The project was the product of a landscape design competition from 2005 with Agence Ter Landscape Architects, Paris. In 2007 HRA were commissioned to develop the detail design and bring the project to tender & completion. The first stage of the project was tendered in 2009 but was postponed shortly after.