Clontarf Baths saga comes to an end

PLANS to revamp the dilapidated Clontarf Baths have finally been approved by An Bord Pleanala.

Restoration plans for the derelict seawater baths can now proceed without any further delay as a result of the decision.

The baths, which have been an eyesore along the Clontarf Promenade since they were closed in 1996, will be refurbished so that swimming and water polo can return after an absence of 16 years.

Dublin City Council had initially given the green light to the plans in January of this year. However, they were examined by An Bord Pleanala after an appeal was lodged.

Previous planning applications for the site – all approved by the city council and overturned by An Bord Pleanála on appeal – envisaged much larger schemes, with clubhouses of up to 3,400sq m (36,600sq ft).

In 2008, An Bord Pleanala turned down a

?¬10 million plan involving a former Olympic swimmer to turn the baths site into a luxury spa.

The planners’ latest bid to restore the existing seawater baths to their former glory includes the construction of supporting facilities and the provision of a single storey restaurant and café bar.

The application – from the Clontarf Baths and Assembly Rooms Company Ltd – seeks permission to reinstate the existing seawater swimming pool area with the development of changing cubicles and a single storey lifeguard viewing room.

The existing derelict structures are to be demolished and replaced by a pavilion restaurant and cafe bar spanning 350.2 square metres.

A covered terrace area overlooking the bay will also be built. Some 15 car and 47 bicycle parking spaces will be installed.

The facility first opened in 1884 and was popular for many decades.

According to former Lord Mayor and Clontarf resident, Cllr Gerry Breen (FG), it would be great to get the baths back in action for their 150th anniversary.

“For too long the baths have been a major eyesore,

? he stated.

“The agreement between Clontarf Baths and Assembly Rooms Company and the Clontarf Swimming Club will see swimming and water polo return to the baths after an absence of more than 16 years.

“Some years ago, I pushed for a solution to this impasse and then supported the application to Dublin City Council.

?

Dublin-based company Noonan Moran Architecture designed the proposal.

It is intended that Clontarf Swimming and Waterpolo Club would operate the swimming pool and that the proposed café/bar, overlooking the pool and Dublin Bay beyond it will be open year-round to the public.