Long wait is over as baths revamp begins

DUN Laoghaire Baths are to be redeveloped after years of dilapidation and disuse.
At a recent Dun Laoghaire Area Committee meeting, councillors were told that all remaining impediments to the redevelopment of the Dun Laoghaire Baths site have been dealt with and the council will shortly be proceeding with the project to develop the baths.
Final drawings of the first phase of the baths’ redevelopment will go before another Dun Laoghaire area committee meeting in March, and then be put on public display.
The phase one plans involve a refurbishment of the pavilion to include artists’ space, public toilets, a small cafe and the removal of derelict buildings at the baths’ site.
Also included is an extension of the pathway from Sandycove, which will be continued along by the sea all the way to the east pier.
There will also be a small jetty into the sea with access for swimmers.
The second phase of the plans includes a swimming pool, but there is no funding set aside for this phase as yet.
Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind) said: “The foreshore licence situation regarding the Dun Laoghaire Baths redevelopment is resolved and matters are due to progress now after many years of delays and public frustration.
“We finally have the required legal basis upon which the council’s plans for the site can be progressed – this will be welcomed throughout Dun Laoghaire.”
Also welcoming the news that the council has received the necessary foreshore licence to proceed with the baths’ development was Cllr Melisa Halpin (PBP).
She said: “While I am delighted that the plans for the site can now commence, it is still extremely disappointing that the plans do not include a public swimming pool.”