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What's Been Going On?
This is Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council’s own proposals for the Baths site taken from its own Coastal Protection recommendations in October 2002: Note the paragraph in which it rules out “residential development” on the site:
“It is an objective of this Coastal Plan to; · Redevelop existing derelict sites in a manner that is compatible with the character of the area especially in the context of existing heights and materials.
“The unique beauty and amenity value of the coastal zone from Booterstown to the Forty Foot is an intrinsic part of the urban fabric and ambience of the area. A number of existing views are afforded protection in the 1998 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Development Plan. A visual appraisal of these points and indeed of the entire coastline between Booterstown and the Forty-Foot was carried out. There are a number of historic shipwrecks in this area. Any development which may affect a recorded monument or historic shipwreck as listed in the National Shipwrecks Inventory will be required to carry out an archaeological assessment in advance of any works. Any such assessment will be submitted to Duchas for comments
“It is also designated as a Conservation Area. Section 3.3.10 of the County Development Plan states "When considering development proposals in Dun Laoghaire, the Council will have regard to the visual impact such development will have on the surrounding area when viewed from the east and west piers of Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Brick buildings will normally be considered out of character on Dun Laoghaire seafront." Section 2.11.5 states "It is the policy of the Council that any new structures within or adjoining Dun Laoghaire Harbour should be designed so as to respect the character of the 19th century buildings and structures of the harbour, the robust materials of the piers and the general marine environment."
“The former Dun Laoghaire Baths are located on a rocky escarpment, fronting directly onto Queens Road opposite the People's Park. The Kingstown District Council constructed the baths between 1905 and 1911 replacing the Royal Victorian Baths constructed in 1843.
“The site has an area of 0.45 hectares. The baths consist of an entrance building, an open-air pool and a toddler's pool fed by tidal seawater. Heated indoor pools were developed within this structure in the 1970's. This facility is no longer in use and has fallen into disrepair. Recently the structure has been damaged by fire.
“Design and materials must be of the highest quality and take cognisance of the maritime and historic location. It must be attractive when viewed from both the land and the sea. There is potential for a 2 to 3 storey development over two basement levels, provided that a design of sufficient architectural merit is proposed.
LESS THAT TWO YEARS LATER – WITHOUT ANY PUBLIC CONSULTATION – DLRCC IS PROPOSING THE BIGGEST SEA FRONT APARTMENT SCHEME IN IRELAND INVOLVING THE INFILL OF FIVE ACRES OF SCOTSMAN’S BAY. OFFICIALS ARE CURRENTLY FORCING THIS PROJECT THROUGH THE COUNCIL WITHOUT ANY PROPER PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS.
Below is the press release issued by DLRCC for the launch of the huge new scheme on April 13th 2005:
“Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has proposed to its Elected Members that the local authority should undertake a €140 million redevelopment of the Dún Laoghaire Baths site. The core of the proposal is an international standard waterworld and indoor leisure complex which includes a 25 metre pool and extensive leisure and sports facilities; new civic plazas, suitable for ice-skating in winter and outdoor concerts in summer; the existing inaccessible foreshore between the derelict baths site and the East pier would be transformed into a new public Maritime Garden, as large as the nearby People’s Park and a new 400 mt. coastal promenade which could continue uninterrupted between Sandycove and the East Pier. The new amenities will be sheltered from the prevailing north/east aspect of the site by 180 apartments, shops and restaurants, underground parking and a 10-storey elegant glass tower “lighthouse” at the Sandycove end of the site, with a public viewing area at the top.
“This plan has the potential to revitalise Dún Laoghaire and it meets everyone’s wish to replace the current derelict site with top quality recreational facilities that will be open to all,” says Niamh Breathnach, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. “The scheme is without doubt, the most ambitious leisure and recreational amenity ever undertaken by a local authority. Developed by a team of in-house architects, planners and parks personnel, it presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to give Dún Laoghaire what it deserves; leisure and recreational amenities that would make the area a destination for locals and visitors alike.”
The concept as presented to the Elected Members envisages an indoor swimming / leisure complex with
25 meter pool and seaweed baths
An indoor wave pool with sandy beach
Kiddies paddling pool
Slides/flumes with associated pools
Sauna and keep fit facilities
Spa/Therapy Rooms
Terrraces with coffee bars and restaurants.
“The Civic Space / plaza, would be protected from the prevailing north/east aspect of the site by the apartments, whole inhabitants will provide 24 hour “eyes and ears” security to those using the spaces, which are suitable for ice-skating in winter and roller skating or outdoor concerts in summer.
“The High Quality Maritime garden will be developed on the current physically inaccessible site between the baths and the East Pier where the steep gradients and poor aspect present hazards to public safety and provides opportunities for anti-social behaviour. This area will be transformed into a high quality Maritime garden, to complement the planned gardens of the People’s Park.
“The design objectives that the in-house team set out to fulfil include access for all users, linkage of the East Pier with Newtownsmith and Sandycove and the People’s Park, new public spaces for cultural and seasonal events, an enhanced habitat for seaside birds and wildlife, opportunities for children’s play, safe secure recreation for all users and a high quality, showpiece coastal garden. In this they have succeeded admirably”, concludes Niamh Breathnach.
“The coastal walking route from Sandycove to the East Pier will include three sea water bathing points for swimmers, adding to the existing swimming facilities at Sandycove beach. The walking route will be added to the Sandycove to Sutton campaign for a walkway to be available right along the coast between the two locations.
The concept has been presented to Councillors who will have a further opportunity to consider same over the coming weeks.”
DETAILS OF THIS SCHEME WERE KEPT SECRET FROM THE PUBLIC UNTIL THE APRIL 13TH PRESS RELEASE. WITHIN ONE MONTH OF ISSUING THIS STATEMENT THE PROPOSAL COULD BE A FAIT ACCOMPLI IF THE MAJORITY OF COUNCILLORS VOTE TO SUPPORT THEIR OFFICIALS’ PROPOSALS ON MONDAY JUNE 13TH 2005.
