BLACKROCK BATHS 23 FEBRUARY 2008 [THEY HAVE SINCE BEEN PARTLY DEMOLISHED]
The baths at Blackrock were closed in 1997.
Since the baths in Blackrock and Dun Laoghaire opened in the early 20th century, not one person has drowned in either pool but despite that both were closed back in the 1980s.
On a typical summer’s day at least three thousand people would pay into Blackrock Baths alone. Blackrock Baths also had the only Olympic diving platform in Dublin. It was also the main base for Leinster’s three thousand water polo players in the summer months.
In 2012 it was claimed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council that the remaining derelict structures had become unsafe and should be demolished due to safety concerns. Following an inspection by senior council staff, it emerged that the structures “have suffered from extensive weather damage and from the ravages of the sea”, making them and the adjoining land dangerous to the public.
The concrete had been seriously affected by the wind and waves, while the pool structure was beyond repair. The seating and changing block were in danger of collapse. The council also said that the guard rails to the upper seating area “have rusted away and the steps are exposed”, while the diving platform was seriously corroded and detached from the pool base.
During the 2012 inspection, the council noted extensive graffiti and rubbish in the building, “which suggested it is subject to regular unauthorised access”. It confirmed that it is not feasible to secure the site to prevent unauthorised access.
Following a consultant’s report, county architect Andree Dargan determined that the structures on the site were ‘dangerous structures’ and that “measures must be taken to remove the danger that exists”.
