Real-time Liffey data drives community engagement and environmental planning
Posted on: 10 September 2025
The River Liffey Water Sensors Pilot, developed by UTS Technologies in collaboration with Smart Docklands, has demonstrated how real-time environmental data can empower local communities, support sustainability, and improve decision-making for everyone who interacts with the river.
This innovative approach to environmental monitoring on the River Liffey is making waves in how Dubliners understand and engage with their urban waterway.
As part of the 2024 Smart Docklands Pilot Call – a collaboration with the Research Ireland CONNECT Centre, headquartered in Trinity College Dublin, and Dublin City Council – the project deployed 14 state-of-the-art water sensors along the River Liffey, from Heuston Station to the East Link Bridge.
These sensors capture live data on river levels, flow rates, and water temperature, providing a clearer picture of how the river behaves in real time.
Professor Dan Kilper, Director, CONNECT Centre, Trinity, said: “The River Liffey sensors highlight what’s possible when research, innovation, and community come together. Real-time data helps us understand the river as a living system and supports more sustainable, inclusive use of this vital shared space.”
“It has been fantastic working closely with the Smart Docklands team and local user groups,” added Olivia D’Arcy, COO at UTS Technologies. “Their input has helped us tailor our technology to real-world needs. Our systems now enable better decision-making across a range of river activities – from recreation to safety to maintenance – thanks to timely, accessible data.”
Co-creating with the community
Community involvement has been central to the pilot’s success. Through workshops and direct engagement, the project has tapped into the experience and needs of local user groups, including water sports clubs, safety responders, and river maintenance teams.
One standout event, the River Liffey Water Sensors Workshop (held May 15 at CHQ Dublin), brought together a diverse group of river users to preview the project’s new data dashboard and discuss how open access to river data can improve the shared use and stewardship of the Liffey.
“The installation of river sensors along the Liffey is a step forward in how we connect with the river,” said Shelly O'Riordan, Administrative Officer in Planning and Economic Development.
“Having live water level data available empowers people to engage more confidently, whether they’re planning a paddle or simply curious about the river’s levels. Combined with the new Water Sports Centre in the Docklands, this tool opens up exciting opportunities for more people to experience and enjoy water-based activities right in the heart of the city. It’s about making the Liffey more accessible, more inviting, and better understood by everyone.”
Real-time data, real-world benefits
The sensor system will be delivering practical benefits. For example:
- Recreational users can assess river conditions in real time before heading out
- City teams can monitor river behaviour to plan cleanups or respond to debris
- Emergency responders can access critical flow data to inform operations
- Environmental planners now have baseline data to build upon for longer-term climate and water management goals
This pilot also raises public awareness about the Liffey as a living system, one that changes hourly and seasonally, and one that all users share responsibility for. By putting data into the hands of those who use the river daily, the project is strengthening both environmental stewardship and community connection to the water.
About the Project
The River Liffey Water Sensors Pilot was developed by UTS Technologies as part of the Smart Docklands 2024 Pilot Call. The initiative brings world-leading smart sensor technology to the heart of Dublin’s smart city programme, driving innovation, collaboration, and environmental sustainability.
For more information see the River Liffey Water Sensors project page, or view the Live Dashboard.
