Public to have say on Dun Laoghaire Harbour plans

THE public has been invited to have their say on an ambitious plan to construct a floating swimming pool and

‘Urban Beach’ in Dun Laoghaire.

Last week, the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) revealed details of the proposed floating swimming pool and urban beach that will be located alongside the East Pier.

The harbour company claims the facility has the potential to attract 140,000 visitors and generate up to 1 million every year for the local economy.

?¬Inspired by the popular Badeschiff facility on the River Spree in Berlin, the plan for Dún Laoghaire Harbour includes a floating swimming pool containing heated and treated seawater constructed on a converted river barge.

The barge will also house an urban beach, while a second urban beach will be located alongside the floating structure, on Berth 1 adjacent to the East Pier.

Changing and toilet facilities, a café, an administration area, and entrance and security features are also included in the Dún Laoghaire Harbour plans.

Tim Ryan, Operations Manager with DLHC, said an entrance fee, equivalent to the price of a cinema ticket, will be charged for the use of the urban beach and pool.

“The development of a floating swimming pool and urban beach is an exciting and innovative element of the Masterplan for Dún Laoghaire Harbour, which was published in 2011 after extensive consultation with the local community and other stakeholders,

? he said.

“We are hoping to submit a planning application before the end of 2013, with a view to having the new facility operational by the summer of 2015,

? he added.

The consultation process will remain open until Friday, September 27. Submissions can be made by post to: Urban Beach Design Team, Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, Harbour Lodge, Crofton Road, Dún Laoghaire, or by email to [email protected]

A former director of the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, Cllr Victor Boyhan, said it was an innovative and exciting idea.

“I would encourage all interested parties to engage with the pre-planning public consultation process,

? he said.