Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) is commencing a process of market research with potential developers in relation to the development of a 3.24 hectare site on the harbour at St Michael's Pier.
In November, the Harbour Company placed a notice in EU-Tenders indicating an intention to seek a developer for a mixed-use scheme at the current ferry terminal site. Developers interested in being considered for the market research have until this evening (02.12.13) to submit their interest.
After the deadline, the market research will commence and DLHC has instructed RSM FGS Asset Management and Lisney to undertake this work.
The kind of development – outlined in the Masterplan for the Dún Laoghaire Harbour – is likely to comprise mixed-uses of residential / hotel; leisure; food and beverage; enterprise and retail; as well as associated car-parking and marine activity uses. The opening up of the pier-side as a public area and strengthened connectivity with the town are central to the concept which in turn is a key component of the overall Masterplan for the Harbour.
Speaking about the market research for the development of St Michael's Pier, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, Gerry Dunne said: "The process is the first phase of our work in the redevelopment of St Michael's Pier. We are conscious of the need to test the appetite and viability of the development before any costs are incurred in entering a public consultation and development phase.
"Dún Laoghaire has really suffered from the economic downturn and the planned developments at the harbour offer some optimism to the commercial, community and social interests in the area. I would hope that through market-engagement on St Michael's, we will get a clear sense of the appetite and interest among developers in transforming this part of the harbour.
"Already, the Harbour Company has advanced plans for an outdoor bathing facility, as well as a cruise facility to facilitate second generation cruise-liners. We have also advanced our plans for developing a diaspora centre at Carlisle Pier. These initiatives will breathe new life into Dún Laoghaire and highlight the beauty and the value the harbour offers to the wider community," he said.
The Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company's plans for overall development are outlined in its Masterplan, published in 2011 (http://dlharbour.ie/masterplan/).
The response to the market research will determine the next steps in framing the envisaged development at St Michael's Pier. In the event that this market research stimulates significant interest, it is envisaged that the Harbour Company will go to an open competition in early-2014.
To submit interest in the market engagement, please email to: [email protected]

#RNLI - Dun Laoghaire RNLI volunteer crewmember Damien Payne has vowed to complete the popular Reindeer Run charity event on the 5km course in his full RNLI crew kit.

Payne hopes to both fundraise for the lifesaving charity and to show people the kit that the money they raise can buy.



Originally from Cork but now works in Dublin with a healthcare company, Payne has been a volunteer at the busy Dun Laoghaire RNLI lifeboat station for two years.



The lifeboat kit he will be running in consists of the distinctive yellow oil skin jacket and dungarees with the red RNLI lifejacket that all crew must wear when they go to sea. 

The only concession he's making is to leave the steel-capped yellow wellies at the starting line and to don a pair of trainers instead. An RNLI lifejacket costs €420 and the special yellow wellies cost €50.



Payne explained his reasons for taking part in the run wearing his lifeboat kit: “I want to wear the RNLI lifeboat crew kit to show people where the funds they raise are going and how vital our equipment is in the work we do. 



"One of the first callouts I took part in was late one Friday afternoon to four children who were cut off on a sandbank by the incoming tide in Sandymount. They had no lifejackets and they couldn’t swim. 

"When we recovered the children onto our lifeboat we learned it was the first time they had been on a boat and they had no knowledge of water safety."

Payne added: "The equipment and training we use in the RNLI is essential to the work we do and without we would not have been able to bring those children to safety."

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, year's Reindeer Runs are being held on Sunday 1 December at Marlay Park in Dublin and on Sunday 24 November at Fota House and Gardens in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork with a 5km and 10km walk or run, and a 1km Santa Saunter for younger participants.

Registration is now open and costs €10 for the saunter, €21 for the 5km and €23 for the 10km run or walk. There are also family and group rates available. All participants receive a limited edition RNLI Reindeer Run t-shirt and a pair of antlers. 

Further information and registration details are available at rnli.org/reindeer or by emailing [email protected] for Dublin or [email protected] for Cork. 

#urbanbeach – Members of the public have five days left to share their views on a proposed new floating swimming pool and 'urban beach' facility for Dún Laoghaire Harbour. The facility is being developed by Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company as part of its long-term 'Masterplan' for the Harbour.

A consultation on the proposed new facility has been underway for the past month, and will close at 5pm on Friday, 27th September.

The plan for Dún Laoghaire Harbour includes a floating swimming pool containing heated and treated seawater, designed on a converted river barge which would be located on Berth 1 adjacent to the East Pier. The barge would also house an 'urban beach', and a second 'urban beach' would be located alongside the floating structure.

Today (20.09.13), Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company published artist impressions of the proposed facility. These are available to view at: www.dlharbour.ie/urbanbeach .

Commenting today, Tim Ryan, Operations Manager with DLHC, said: "We are the proud custodians of a beautiful, historic harbour, and it was important for us that the design of the proposed new floating swimming pool and urban beach reflects that."

"Our aim is to complement the existing attractions of the East Pier, and to draw inspiration from the Harbour's rich history. For example, the pod structures in the proposed new facility were inspired by the old-fashioned timber cargo crates, which would have been a common sight on the Piers when Dún Laoghaire was a more traditional shipping port. Each structure is single-storey and slightly dispersed to allow some visual penetration to the Harbour while ensuring privacy for bathers. Importantly, the floating pool will sit below pier level, and will therefore not detract from views of the Harbour from the East Pier.

"Changing and toilet facilities, a café, an administration area, and entrance and security features are also included in our initial plan. There is potential to have additional seating to the rear of the pod structures, as well as access to the café and toilet facilities both from the 'urban beach' side and from the Pier side."

It is anticipated that an entrance fee would 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. According to Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, the proposed floating swimming pool and 'urban beach' has the potential to attract 140,000 visitors and to generate up to €1 million per annum for the local economy.

"Interested members of the public – including local residents and businesses, the sailing community, public representatives, and tourism organisations – have five days left to offer their views and recommendations on our proposals," said Tim Ryan. "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.

Submissions to the public consultation on the project 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].

Further information and frequently asked questions are available at www.dlharbour.ie/urbanbeach .

#rnli – Dun Laoghaire Harbour will be busy with rescue activities this Sunday (22nd September) when the RNLI lifeboat station holds it's annual Public Open Day in a revised format that will offer plenty of family-friendly attractions.

#rnli – Joining the RNLI volunteer crew will be members of the Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard Unit as well as the Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team with vehicle and equipment demonstrations. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter based at Dublin Airport will also be landing at the Carlisle Pier for public display.

Both lifeboats stationed at Dun Laoghaire will be open for visits and a special rescue scenario will take place close to the lifeboat station where a real-life incident will be recreated.

Sea Safety is a central activity for both the RNLI and Irish Coast Guard who will both have special displays at the lifeboat station including Free life-jacket clinics.

The full line-up of activities which will begin at 1.30pm and finish at 5pm includes:

- Meet the crews;
- Tours of both lifeboats at Dun Laoghaire;
- Boathouse & equipment demonstrations;
- Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard Unit in attendance;
- Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team with equipment demos;
- Rescue demonstrations afloat;
- Irish Coast Guard helicopter static display;
- Lifeboat Souvenir Shop will be open - we are a non-government funded charity;
- Guest appearances by the RNLI's Stormy Sam;
- Sea Safety Information road shows with the RNLI & Irish Coast Guard;
- Free Life Jacket clinics

#DunLaoghaire - The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Annual Swim for 2013 takes place this coming Sunday 8 September.

The men's and ladies' swimming races will both follow the same course starting at the RNLI boathouse, along the East Pier slipway then across the National Yacht Club pontoons, around the lifeboat mooring and along the length of Carlisle Pier, then directly across to the East Pier Lighthouse and along the pier to finish at the slipway.

The men's race is set to start at 11.30am and the ladies' race at 1.45pm, with a Family Fun Race to be held between Carlisle Pier and East Pier at 12.45pm.

All harbour users are reminded to keep clear of the swimmers for the duration of the event.

#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].

#urbanbeach – Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company will tomorrow, Wednesday, 28th August 2013, launch a public consultation on the development of a floating swimming pool and urban beach within Dún Laoghaire Harbour.

The Dún Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan was published in 2011 following extensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders. One of the exciting and innovate public projects within the Masterplan is the development of a floating swimming pool and associated 'urban beach' facility alongside Berth 1, adjacent to the renowned East Pier of Dún Laoghaire Harbour

The consultation being launched tomorrow aims to inform a planning application for the facility, which is expected to be submitted later this year.

Further information on the public consultation will be available on www.dlharbour.ie/urbanbeach from tomorrow morning.

#cruiseliner – An award winning, luxury sailing ship will dock in Dún Laoghaire Harbour tomorrow  from 7am to 6pm as Afloat.ie reported earlier. The Wind Surf – a five masted sailing ship – is scheduled to embark 300 guests and disembark 280 guests in Dún Laoghaire ahead of a seven day Gaelic Explorer cruise which includes the Isle of Man, Portrush in Antrim as well as Stromness, Invergordon, Peterhead and Edinburgh in Scotland.

Speaking ahead of the visit, CEO of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, Gerry Dunne, said: "Tomorrow, The Wind Surf is using Dún Laoghaire Harbour as an turnaround port which augurs well for our plans to develop the harbour as the key port along the east coast for cruise visits. Turnaround ports often enjoy additional economic benefits as passengers use local services, such as hotels and restaurants, before boarding their cruise. Clearly, the cruise tourism sector has great potential to deliver significant economic benefit to Dún Laoghaire, the Greater Dublin area and the country in general."

Dún Laoghaire Harbour is expecting to handle a record 14 cruise ship calls from cruise line customers including P&O, Cunard and Windstar Cruises.

#CelticMist - The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group's (IWDG) research yacht Celtic Mist is currently docked in Dun Laoghaire awaiting the start of The Gathering Cruise around Ireland.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the 19-day event will see some 100 cruising boats proceed along the east and south coasts of Ireland from Dublin to Cork and Kerry.

Along the way they will be recording any sightings of whales or dolphins along the way using forms supplied by the IWDG.

Celtic Mist will join the flotilla as it departs Dun Laoghaire Harbour on 18 July headed for Kinsale on 24 July, and a second leg from Kinsale to Dingle from 25 July to 1 August.

And the IWDG is currently offering places on board to all members for both week-long legs of the cruise.

The vessel has eight berths that will comfortably sleep a team of one skipper and seven crew - indeed, anyone taking up this offer will be expected to prepare meals and perform other sailing duties!

For more details on how to join The Gathering Cruise on board Celtic Mist, see the IWDG website HERE.

In the meantime, Celtic Mist is offering all IWDG members a chance to sail on day trips from Dun Laoghaire this week - email [email protected] for details.

#vdlr – Irish sailing tourism is buoyant in the capital with 250 boats from all over the world visiting Dublin Bay over the last four months and this week 120 boats from outside the Bay area are expected for Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta (VDLR).

The attraction of visiting Dublin City remains strong for visitors who arrive under their own sail into Dun Laoghaire Marina from all over the world including from the USA, Australia, Norway, Germany, France, Switzerland, Finland, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, UK, Spain, Italy. Dun Laoghaire Marina, the largest marina in Ireland, reports that 250 boats from overseas have visited its marina for varying periods of time since 1st April 2013.

These figures are being released in advance of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, the biggest sailing event in the country which will take place from Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th July. In addition to the 260 local boats that will compete in the Regatta, 120 will arrive to compete from other yachts clubs outside Dublin Bay, Northern Ireland and right across the British Isles.

Speaking about the influx of boats into Dun Laoghaire Marina, Paal Janson, General Manager said "the main reason we see such a flow of visitors into the Marina is because of the attraction of the capital city and the novelty of being able to visit a European city and stay in your own accommodation which is a relatively unusual offering. Dun Laoghaire Marina is also a safe and large marina with capacity for 820 boats, 24/7 access, full facilities and direct transport links."

Dun Laoghaire's 820 berth town marina has welcomed sailors from all over the world this season. Photo: Afloat.ie

The marina will also welcome all of the visiting boats from outside Dublin Bay for the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta (VDLR.) The VDLR is the biggest sailing event in the country. 380 boats and 2,500 sailors will compete across 25 different classes of boats and the competitors will race across eight different courses over the four days of the Regatta.

Speaking in advance of the VDLR, Adam Winkelmann, VDLR Chairman said, 'We have been running this regatta every two years since 2005 and over that period of time have only seen a 7.5% decrease in entries which is not that dramatic considering the state of the economy. The regatta also brings a significant amount to the local economy. Using the Irish tourism multiplier the average expenditure per competitor will be €60 per day which for 2,500 competitors will be €150,000 per day and €600,000 for the four day event."