An open seawater pool could be part of a future phase of development at the reopened Dun Laoghaire Baths.
That’s according to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council upon the official reopening of the amenity on Tuesday (13 December).
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the project has been a long time coming, with works beginning on the site in June 2018 and originally set to be completed a year ago before “COVID and other site factors” saw the final stages pushed back.
The multi-million-euro project included refurbishment of the existing Baths Pavilion, constructing a new jetty to give easy access to the water for swimming and the creation of a new route between Newtownsmith and the East Pier.
It also features a simple changing shelter, a refurbished Edwardian gazebo in the beach garden and a statue of Roger Casement that was installed in September last year.
The multi-million-euro project included refurbishment of the existing Baths Pavilion, constructing a new jetty to give easy access to the water for swimming and the creation of a new route between Newtownsmith and the East Pier Photo: Afloat
The former pavilion building has also been substantially refurbished to provide studio space for artists, as well as a gallery and a café with a “spectacular” view of Scotsman’s Bay and a terrace which will link across to the People’s Park as well as down to the sea.
The pavilion building and café will open in the New Year, the council says..
There are also toilet facilities, including a “changing places” bathroom for people with additional needs.
On Tuesday, the local community joined An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mary Hanafin and DLRCoCo chief executive Frank Curran at the official ceremony to celebrate the baths’ reopening.
“The re-opening of the Dún Laoghaire Baths is a significant milestone for the Council and the people of the town. This well-known landmark has been an important part of the history and heritage of families all over the county,” Cllr Hanafin said.
“Once again, we can welcome visitors to this popular bathing area. This beautiful restoration will facilitate swimming, water sports, and a great concert area.”
The refurbished Dun Laoghaire Baths with the Roger Casement statue at the end of the new pier Photo: Afloat
Curran added: “The project was guided by our policy of improving public realm for our communities and linking the sea front with the town centre. It complements and is linked to the People’s Park, the Lexicon library and The Metals.
“We look forward to welcoming local residents and visitors to the newly restored landmark. Once again, the iconic Dún Laoghaire Baths is back at the heart of it all, in this unique location.”
The local authority says there are plans for a new walkway between Dún Laoghaire’s East Pier and the Dún Laoghaire Baths in 2023.
And while the original plans did not include a swimming pool, as was the main purpose of the original Victorian-era baths, it says “a future phase of development” on the site can include an open seawater pool, subject to approval.
During the construction, a rectangular concrete void was left below the surface of the amphitheatre area, with a concrete “lid” covering it, allowing for the inclusion of a tidal pool, it adds.
