Local Children Join Iarnród Éireann to Transform Railway Arches

29 Deireadh Fómhair 2025

17 local children submit designs to help turn Dublin Inner City railway arches at Courtney Place into a vibrant community space promoting creativity, biodiversity, and well being

A once-grey stretch of railway arches in Dublin’s Courtney Place has been transformed into a vibrant outdoor gallery of colour and imagination, as Iarnród Éireann unveils a new community art project by artist Artur Oner, created in collaboration with 17 local children.   

Developed through a series of creative workshops, the project reimagines the arches beneath the railway line as a visual garden inspired by the colours, shapes, and movement of nature. Through hands-on sessions, including a visit to the National Botanic Gardens and Mud Island Community Garden, local children immersed themselves in the colours, textures, and patterns of the natural world. Their sketches and ideas became the creative foundation for the new mural.

The finished artwork transforms the arches into a vibrant visual garden, celebrating nature’s diversity while fostering creativity, connection, and a sense of local pride. The new installation brings warmth, colour, and character to the area, creating a welcoming space for residents and families to enjoy.

The initiative forms part of Iarnród Éireann’s ongoing work to revitalise public spaces along the rail network, supporting projects that promote community engagement, urban biodiversity and wellbeing through art.

The Courtney Place project was driven by local resident Belinda Walsh, with the support of Dublin City Council (DCC), following an approach from the community to Iarnród Éireann seeking ways to enhance the local environment and create a shared, up, uplifting space for residents.

To complement the artwork, Iarnród Éireann’s Environmental team also donated planter boxes to residents, adding touches of fresh greenery and helping to further brighten the space for residents.

Commenting on the work, Joanne Bissett, Arts & Social Officer at Iarnród Éireann, said: ‘This project is about creating a space that feels alive, where children can explore, play, and connect through colour, creativity, and nature. Working with Belinda, Artur, and the residents of Courtney Place has been a wonderful experience, and we’re proud to see how this community collaboration has enhanced the area for everyone. It’s wonderful to see the area come to life and even more special to see how proud the local children are of what they’ve created.’

 

Speaking at the unveiling, artist Artur Oner said: ‘The children’s ideas led the vision from the very beginning. They shared what colours and flowers reminded them of home, and we turned those ideas into a design that’s full of energy, movement, and life. The space is now theirs, a reflection of their imagination and their community.’

Belinda Walsh, local resident and community lead went on to say: “This project brought our community closer together. The children feel a real sense of ownership and pride in what they’ve achieved, and it’s wonderful to see neighbours stopping to chat and enjoy the space.”

Looking ahead, the Courtney Place community hopes to host future workshops on planting, sustainability, and biodiversity, encouraging children to learn more about caring for their environment and the world around them.

The project reflects Iarnród Éireann’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities, enhancing public spaces, and fostering creativity and wellbeing through art and collaboration.