8 APRIL 2023 – EASTER WEEKEND
Dún Laoghaire Baths reopen a few weeks before Christmas 2022 as a public amenity after a 17-year campaign but without the pool that many had hoped for and even expected.
Works at the Dun Laoghaire Baths were substantially completed on 2nd December 2022 and will provide for the continuing public use of the area. Works included the retention and securing of the existing Baths Pavilion and the removal of 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 will create a safe and secure walk offering panoramic views over Scotsman’s Bay. The form of this walk reflects the original rocky shoreline and the historic alignment of the old gun battery that was originally located on this site. The walkway now incorporates sitting and viewing points and the land adjoining this walk will be re-graded to create sloping grassed areas. The scheme also proposes the refurbishment of the small gazebo situated along this route.
The existing Baths Pavilion together with a smaller outbuilding was retained, weathered and secured while the remaining dilapidated outbuildings to the rear and side of the Pavilion were removed.
It is proposed to fit out the Pavilion to accommodate studio space for artists and to provide gallery and café facilities. The studios will be managed by the Arts Department. The original Baths entrance along Windsor Terrace has been restored to provide access. An outdoor ‘café terrace’ linked to the new café provides 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.
These uses and improvements will create new life and provide enhanced public facilities which will complement and link the area to the adjoining Peoples Park, the completed Metals Project Phases 1 and 2 and the recently completed DLR Lexicon Environs project.
