#dlhc – As Afloat.ie reported yesterday, Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) has today launched a public consultation on the development of a floating swimming pool and 'urban beach' alongside the renowned East Pier of Dún Laoghaire Harbour.
The proposed facility has the potential to attract 140,000 visitors and to generate up to €1 million per annum for the local economy, according to the Harbour Company.
The project has been inspired by the popular Badeschiff facility in Berlin, a floating swimming pool on the River Spree. The plan for Dún Laoghaire Harbour includes a floating swimming pool containing heated and treated seawater, designed on a converted river barge which will be located within the Harbour. The barge will also house an 'urban beach', and a second 'urban beach' will be located alongside the floating structure, on Berth 1 adjacent to the East Pier.
Changing and toilet facilities, a café, an administration area, and entrance and security features are also included in the Dún Laoghaire Harbour plan.
It is anticipated that an entrance fee will be charged for the use of the urban beach and pool, and this is likely to be equivalent to the price of a cinema ticket.
Speaking at the launch of the public consultation today, Tim Ryan, Operations Manager with DLHC, said: "The development of a floating swimming pool and urban beach is an exciting and innovative element of the Masterplan for Dún Laoghaire Harbour, which was published in 2011 after extensive consultation with the local community and other stakeholders. It is intended that the new facility will act as a significant public amenity and tourist attraction, and will create a hub of activity within the Harbour.
"A feasibility study for this project was conducted in 2012, and a project design team was appointed earlier this year. We are hoping to submit a planning application before the end of 2013, with a view to having the new facility operational by the summer of 2015. In putting together our planning application, we will consider all views and feedback gathered during this public consultation process."
The floating swimming pool and urban beach project is being developed by Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company with support from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. The overall cost of the project is expected to be in the region of €2.5 million. Once operational, it is envisaged that the facility will be self-financing.
"We are putting this project out to public consultation over the next four weeks so that all interested members of the public – including local residents and businesses, the sailing community, public representatives, and tourism organisations – can offer their views and recommendations on our proposals," said Tim Ryan. "The responses received from stakeholders will help inform the development of the project."
The consultation is open from now until Friday, 27th September 2013. Submissions can be made by post to: Urban Beach Design Team, Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, Harbour Lodge, Crofton Road, Dún Laoghaire, or by email to [email protected].
