Displaying items by tag: facilities

28th January 2012

Bidding Begins for Shannon Harbour Houseboat Berths

#SHANNON - Waterways Ireland has just released details of its scheme for renting berths for houseboats on the Grand Canal at Shannon Harbour.

Under the scheme, boaters can rent one of eight fully-serviced berths for their houseboat on a 12-month extended term licence running from 15 March 2012 to 14 March 2013.

Amenities on-site include electricity supply, access to pumps and clean water, shower facilities and limited car parking. Pre-paid smart cards are required to utilise some facilities.

As space is limited, the berths will go to the highest bidders, with the minimum acceptable bid set at €1,250 (a security deposit of €250 is required).

It is expected that licence holders will live on board their vessels as their main residence. Winning bidders are also expected to arrange their own refuse collection from the site.

The closing date for bids is 23 February 2012. The Waterways Ireland website has the application form plus more information about the scheme and details of the licence agreement.

Published in Inland Waterways

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Dun Laoghaire Baths Plans to be Displayed

New plans for the Dun Laoghaire Baths are due to be displayed shortly in County Hall.

Proposals for the project, which is estimated to cost up to €21 million, include the retention and refurbishment of the existing baths pavilion to provide access to swimming and a paddling pool for children.

Also planned is a new structure behind the pavilion with toilet and changing facilities, storage lockers, and a café and restaurant.

Facilities for thalassotherapy (sea water therapy) are also being mooted, as is a proposal to cover the DART line to provide a new forecourt to the People's Park.

For more information visit www.dlrcoco.ie.

New plans for the Dun Laoghaire Baths are due to be displayed shortly in County Hall.

Also planned is a new structure behind the pavilion with toilet and changing facilities, storage lockers, and a café and restaurant.

Facilities for thalassotherapy (sea water therapy) are also being mooted, as is a proposal to cover the DART line to provide a new forecourt to the People's Park.

For more information visit www.dlrcoco.ie.

Published in Dun Laoghaire Baths Project

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Forty Foot Swimming Spot on Dublin Bay

The 'Forty Foot' is a rocky outcrop located at the southern tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove, County Dublin from which people have been swimming in the Irish Sea all year round for 300 years or more. It is popular because it is one of few spots between Dublin city and Greystones in County Wicklow that allows for swimming at all stages of the tide, subject to the sea state.

Forty Foot History

Traditionally, the bathing spot was exclusively a men's bathing spot and the gentlemen's swimming club was established to help conserve the area.

Owing to its relative isolation and gender-specific nature it became a popular spot for nudists, but in the 1970s, during the women's liberation movement, a group of female equal-rights activists plunged into the waters and now it is also open to everyone and it is in the control of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Many people believe that swimming in extremely cold water is healthy and good for the immune system.

Is it safe to swim at the Forty Foot?

The Forty-Foot is a great place to swim because there is always enough water to get a dip but like all sea swimming, there are always hazards you need to be aware of. For example, a lot of people like to dive into to the pool at the Forty-foot but there are submerged rocks that can be hazardous especially at low water. The Council have erected signs to warn people of the underwater dangers. Other hazards include slippy granite cut stone steps that can often be covered with seaweed and of course marine wildlife including jellyfish that make their presence felt in the summer months as do an inquisitive nearby Sandycove seal colony.