After many years, the juncture of the Royal Canal and the River Liffey will again be navigable with the announcement of a project to restore the Spencer Dock sea lock in Dublin's Docklands. The work involving the restoration of the Royal Canal will also provide a long term solution to address the risk of coastal flooding in the area.

The restoration project is being promoted by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority together with Waterways Ireland, Dublin City Council and Iarnrod Eireann. Technical consultants, Royal Haskoning, have been appointed to undertake the design and build work.

The restoration of the sea lock at Spencer Dock, originally constructed in 1873, is part of the overall regeneration of the Royal Canal in Docklands. When complete the sea lock will be operational allowing navigation along the canal which runs all the way from Dublin to the Shannon.

Also part of this regeneration project is the development of a one kilometre linear public park on the banks of the canal which is being procured by international design competition. This is a major landscape architecture project for the Docklands Authority and one which will transform the stretch of the Royal Canal where it enters the River Liffey. When completed the new park will provide public amenity green space and facilities for youth recreation as well as an appropriate environment for boating activities. The restoration of the sea lock at Spencer Dock to navigable status will be a critical part of the revival of this once important waterway.