A public meeting to demand a public pool and improved accessibility at the newly reopened Dun Laoghaire Baths will take place this Thursday 23 February from 7pm at the National Maritime Museum.

It follows complaints highlighted last month over access issues at the multi-million-euro amenity, which opened in December after years of stop-start redevelopment works.

Access to the amphitheatre level of the baths is currently only by steps or by temporary ramps, which have been described as “wall-like” by advocacy group Access for All.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has promised upgrades to accessibility in the second phase of development, but there is as yet no confirmed timeframe for these works.

There is also no ETA for the inclusion of a public seawater pool at the site, with the local authority suggesting it could be part of “a future phase of development”.

Wheelchair users have highlighted accessibility issues at the newly reopened Dun Laoghaire Baths — with the current temporary ramps deemed as too steep.

As The Journal reports, one accessibility advocate described the ramps to the lower-level amphitheatre as “disgraceful”.

“They knew very well that they were building these, as I like to call them, wall-like ramps, because you may as well build walls, they are so steep,” Sean O’Kelly of Access for All said.

The past few weeks we’ve been inundated with messages about the new baths out in #DunLaoghaire and the fact the ramps out there are mountainous.

Sean is a local so we made a couple of videos yesterday, now tell us this public place is inclusive and accessible, go on tell us.? pic.twitter.com/M8eJyiB9Gg

— Access For All Ireland (@AccessForAll7) January 3, 2023

A spokesperson for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council acknowledged that the site “isn’t currently as accessible for all as we would like it to be” and promised that upgrades would come in the second phase.

However, the tendering process for this phase has yet to be opened. The local authority says it expects to have contractors on site later this year — a situation Access For All decries as “not good enough”.

The Journal has more on the story HERE.

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.

The Dun Laoghaire Baths will finally reopen this month, four-and-a-half years after redevelopment works began, with the local authority sending out invitations to the official opening on Tuesday 13 December.

The project has been a long time coming, with works originally set to be completed a year ago, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

However “COVID and other site factors” set back these final works and pushed its opening date, initially to spring this year before it was again delayed to August and then October.

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 statue of Roger Casement that was installed in September last year.

Locals have been eagerly awaiting the opening date since works began on the site in June 2018.

And while the ‘baths’ in the title are in name only, in reference to its past as a bathing place from the Victorian era till the late 1990s, it’s hoped to provide a different kind of amenity on the waterfront — particularly when the pavilion café opens next spring.

Taking advantage of the weekend's fine weather and sea conditions, Dublin Bay kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders were early arrivals at the still under refurbishment Dun Laoghaire Baths.

Perhaps an indication of the increasing demand for this type of marine leisure facility, it is not for the first time that boaters and watersports enthusiasts have made landfall at the – still to be officially opened – new jetty and pier.

Work began at the site in June 2018 after lying derelict for over 30 years. While the €13.5m project was originally scheduled to reopen in 2020 delays due to COVID and site issues are the reason Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council now give 'Summer 2022' as the completion date for the impressive makeover.

Work has included new sea walls, works to the Pavilion building and an extension of the walkway at nearby Newtownsmith.

Currently works on the new jetty are nearing completion.

The project has created a new viewing point with stunning vistas across Scotsman’s Bay to Sandycove Harbour. The new long bench on the jetty has been also been completed which is inspired by the sitting bench where swimmers relax overlooking Sandycove Harbour. The new Casement Memorial Sculpture by Mark Richards is complete and is dramatically sited on a plinth at the end of the jetty.

Six hundred tones of Cornish granite was deposited at the Dun Laoghaire Baths on Saturday (September 25th 2021) as part of additional rock armour protection measures for the Dublin Bay site heavily exposed to easterly gales.

The load was deposited in ideal conditions during one high tide at lunchtime using a multi-purpose flat top pontoon barge. 

The barge, named Mormaen 15, arrived from Falmouth in the UK and skilfully placed the massive rocks using a large long-reach onboard excavator between the new quay wall and the town's East Pier.

The rock will protect the new works, including the recently installed Roger Casement statue, a centrepiece of the much anticipated €13.5m project.

(Above and below) The multi-role marine platform is positioned into place at Dun Laoghaire Baths by tugs Sarah Grey and AMS Retriever

Manoeuvring the 60-metre x 22-metre barge into position at Scotsman's Bay involved using the UK flagged towing tug Sara Grey assisted by AMS Retriever.

The Dublin Port Pilot boat Camac was also in attendance as the pictures above show.

The refurbishment has so far taken over three years to date and been hit by a number of setbacks, not least the COVID-19 pandemic. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council had estimated a December 2021 completion date but this has recently been updated to "late Spring 2022".

Completion of the refurbished Dun Laoghaire Baths that was expected to be completed in December 2021 will not now be ready until the first quarter of next year, say Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

"Due to Covid and other site factors, the project is likely to be delivered in late Spring 2022", the Council said in a statement yesterday (13th September) announcing the arrival of the Roger Casement sculpture to the Dublin Bay site.

As Afloat noted at the weekend the project is now ongoing for three years and three months. 

When complete the Council says the project will provide for the continuing public use of the area.

The current projected cost is €13.5m which includes the 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.

This walkway will be at a level that will create a safe and secure walk offering panoramic views over Scotsman’s Bay. The form of this walk will reflect the original rocky shoreline and the historic alignment of the old gun battery that was originally located on this site. The walkway will incorporate sitting and viewing points and the land adjoining this walk will be re-graded to create sloping grassed areas.

The scheme also includes the refurbishment of the historic small gazebo situated along this route.

The former Pavilion building has been substantially refurbished to provide studio space for artists and to provide gallery and café facilities overlooking Scotsman’s Bay.

The original Baths entrance along Windsor Terrace is being restored to provide access to the building while an outdoor ‘café terrace’ linked to the new café will provide an attractive sitting area for viewing, eating and relaxing.

The Pavilion will also provide new public toilets, Changing Places facility and will be accessible for wheelchair users.

Works at the Dun Laoghaire Baths continue, and though many are asking when will it ever be completed (now some three years and three months duration), there is evidence of progress at the site in the latest shoreward taken photos of the building works.

The €9 million redevelopments of the old Baths, derelict for over 30 years, began in June 2018. 

When complete, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council says, it will provide for the continuing public use of the area located at the East Pier at Dun Laoghaire Harbour. 

Currently, the construction team are taking advantage of spring tides to position rock armour at low water.

While significant progress has been made, constructing the works has been slower than anticipated. The latest in revised completion dates given by the council is in three months, December 2021, according to the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown website. Still, given the pace of things, that date may also be an ambitious one.

As photos above and below show, works include the retention and securing of the existing Baths Pavilion and removing dilapidated structures to the rear of the Pavilion to create a new route between Newtownsmith and the East Pier.

This walkway is at a level that puts a safe and secure walk offering panoramic views over Scotsman’s Bay.

The council says that the form of this walk will reflect the original rocky shoreline and the historic alignment of the old gun battery that was originally located on this site.

Dun Laoghaire Baths - The old Pavilion building has been stabilised, enclosed and is now fully weathered.

The walkway will incorporate sitting and viewing points, and the land adjoining this walk will be re-graded to create sloping grassed areas. 

The existing Baths Pavilion, together with a smaller outbuilding, has been retained, weathered and secured (for strong winds and seas that batter the site each winter). In contrast, the remaining dilapidated outbuildings to the rear and side of the Pavilion have been removed.

The plan is out the Pavilion to accommodate studio space for artists and provide gallery and café facilities.

The DLR Arts Department will manage the studios. The original Baths entrance along Windsor Terrace will be restored to provide access.

The new Casement Memorial Sculpture by the sculptor Mark Richards is complete and will be dramatically sited on a plinth at the end of the jetty (with the orange flag above)

An outdoor ‘café terrace’ linked to the new café will provide an attractive sitting area for viewing, eating and relaxing.

It is also proposed to create new public toilets facilities at street level, which will also be accessible for wheelchair users. Footpaths along Windsor Terrace will be upgraded, and new street trees planted.

The small gazebo situated along the new route from Pier to Newtownsmith has been refurbished.

The building project is divided into several work zones.

These zones include work to the new jetty, the new sea walls, the Pavilion, and the works to tie into the existing walkway at Newtownsmith. Currently, works on the new jetty are nearing completion. This has created a new viewing point with stunning vistas across Scotsman’s Bay to Sandycove Harbour.

The new long bench on the jetty has also been completed, inspired by the sitting bench where swimmers relax overlooking Sandycove Harbour.

The new Casement Memorial Sculpture by Mark Richards is complete and will be dramatically sited on a plinth at the end of the jetty. 

The construction of massive new sea walls supporting the new walkway at the back of the pavilion is also nearing completion.

This has allowed the artists’ studios at the lower level and café at the upper level to be progressed with the installation of electrical and mechanical services.

The December completion date is subject to the ongoing impact of the site closure caused by the Covid pandemic.

Despite the stop-start nature of construction due to COVID-19 restrictions, shoreward photography taken at the weekend of the new Dun Laoghaire Baths shows that significant progress has been made in all areas of the flagship project for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Overall progress is slower than anticipated meaning the project that began three years ago will not now likely be completed until Summer 2022, two years later than planned.

New windows are now in place in the refurbished Pavillion building

The scheme to revive the old baths that lay derelict for over 30 years is divided into several work zones.

As our photos show, these zones include work to the new jetty, works to the new sea walls, works to the Pavilion and works to tie into the existing walkway at Newtownsmith.

The new sea walls are substantial

Currently works to the new jetty are nearing completion as Afloat's photos taken from the sea side reveal with a plinth in place ready for the statue of Roger Casement to arrive on site. 

Rock armour to the west of the site 

Getting into situations over his head rarely fazed Sir Roger Casement, so a new Dublin Bay seafront home should present no difficulties for the statue of the Sandycove man at the refurbished Dun Laoghaire Baths site.

Saturday's north-easterly gale flooded the town's East pier and also the nearby Dart railway line between Dun Laoghaire and Booterstown as big seas rolled into the bay.

If anyone was in any doubt what the new baths was going to have to withstand, Saturday's wintry waves illustrated the point perfectly.

The plan is for the late Knight of the British Empire, hanged for his role in the 1916 Easter Rising, to be commemorated on a plinth at the end of a short new pier being built as part of the baths refurbishment project.  

The new Roger Casement statue destined for a plinth (see below) at the end of the swim jetty at Dun Laoghaire Baths

It appears, as in life, Sir Roger (who was stripped of his title before execution) will have a lot to stand up to as the plinth itself became completely covered by waves on Saturday, January 30 as the photo sequence shows below.

The new plinth for the Sir Roger Casement statue at Dun Laoghaire and the big Dublin Bay waves (below) crashing over it on Saturday Photos: Afloat

The council say the Casement figure by artist Mark Richards is cast in bronze, which will 'mature and reflect the climatic conditions of the site as the year's pass'.

As regular Afloat readers will know, the statue is to be erected along the pierhead walkway connecting the parkland areas at Newtownsmith with the beach area at Queen’s Road.

The redevelopment of Dún Laoghaire’s baths, which have been closed since 1997, is nearing completion even though construction has stopped during the COVID-19 emergency.

The €2.75 million makeovers will see the derelict pool being replaced by artists’ studios and a gallery café as well as a pier to swim from and a landing jetty for small boats and kayaks.

Casement was born to an Anglo-Irish family in nearby Sandycove in 1864 and served as a British diplomat before helping to form the Irish Volunteers.