Work on the long-awaited redevelopment of Dún Laoghaire’s derelict Victorian baths contracts were formally signed this afternoon (10th April) by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.
The planned programme of works was initially expected to cost €2.5 million but the cost is expected to substantially higher given additional engineering works required to secure the road and retaining walls between the DART line and the site.
The dilapidated salt water pools will be filled in to provide a shallow access swimming area to the sea. A new jetty will be constructed to provide better access to the water for swimmers and to provide a landing point for kayaks and canoes. A new cafe and terrace, artists’ studios and gallery will be developed at the Edwardian Baths Pavilion.
Senator Victor Boyhan, a long-time advocate for the rejuvenation of Dun Laoghaire seafront and director of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company said he was ”excited about the plans and very pleased that work on the site would finally get underway in the coming months.
“I am particularly pleased that the council abandoned all plans to construct private residential apartments on this site, like others, I always argued that the Baths site was an important public amenity area that needed to be retained and enhanced, as a public for generations to come. So many children in the town learnt to swim in the old baths, I will always cherish the wonderful memories and friends I made on those long summer days in the auld baths.”
“When the redevelopment of the baths site is complete, the pavilion and jetty will be a great amenity not only for locals but indeed for thousands of visitors from outside the area. I am particularly pleased that the site will remain in public ownership and provide additional amenities on the seafront.”
Funding for the Dun Laoghaire Baths site project will come from the Councils Capital Fund and from EU Funds.