#DUN LAOGHAIRE NEWS - Dun Laoghaire's historic Victorian sea baths are to be replaced with a small 'urban beach' under rejuvenation plans for the harbour, the Irish Independent reports.

County councillors for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown voted on Tuesday to green light the construction of a new sea baths facility, part of the 'master plan' development proposed by the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company that has raised the ire of the harbour's yacht clubs.

The decision is the latest in a long series of ambitious plans for the Victorian baths, which recently received a new coat of paint as part of the Dulux Let's Colour Project but have lain derelict for 15 years.

Under the new plan, all but two of the buildings on the baths site, which was built in 1843, will be demolished to make way for a new jetty and changing area, which is set to include an 'urban beach' in the future.

Only the baths pavillion and a small outbuilding will be retained for an artist's studio, a gallery and café.

The Irish Independent has more on the story HERE.

A former lock-keepers’ cottage near Celbridge, Co Kildare could prove to be a substantial bargain for waterways enthusiasts.

Bank House, on the Grand Canal near Hazelhatch, is a two-storey Victorian five-bed house with a large garden available through DNG.

When first on the market in October 2009 it was priced at €795,000, but is now for sale at €495,000.
The 167 sq m floor area includes an integrated garage, two reception rooms and a sizeable kitchen. 

The property - which is in need of updating - comes with well-tended gardens and plenty of off-street parking, with Hazelhatch train station within walking distance.

The Irish Times has more on this property including images HERE.