A SERIES of images have been unveiled by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County County Council to illustrate their plans for the historic Baths site.
Abandoned and derelict for years, the historic site is to be rejuvenated with a new coastal amenity park, marine jetty, artists’ rooms and a tea room pavilion.
The plan was unveiled at a council meeting in Dún Laoghaire by Bob Hannon, one of the council’s senior architects.
“The plan represents a realistic and imaginative vision for this important public realm, which I believe will have the full support of the public,
? said Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind).
“Clearly lessons have been learnt, and the council has finally acknowledged that the public would rightly resist any residential or office development on this important site.
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Cllr Boyhan said he was keen to see a public engagement and consultation process commence within weeks and was hopeful that this could be achieved.
“It’s an exciting project and one that I would like to see completed within the term of the current council,
? he said.
Meanwhile, the Badeschiff Baths project for the harbour remains on appeal with An Bord Pleanala and a decision is not expected for some months.
First constructed in 1843, the baths were completely redeveloped by then Kingstown Town Council in 1910 and operated until 1997 when they were closed. The site has remained derelict since with proposals to redevelop them courting considerable public controversy.
In welcoming the proposal to put the plans out to public consultation, Cllr Cormac Devlin (FF), chairperson of the Dún Laoghaire Area Committee of the council, said:
“The new proposals are in keeping with the low rise built environment surrounding the site.
“The plans will also ensure the site remains in public ownership, and provide additional amenities on the seafront while also linking the promenade at Newtownsmith to the East Pier.
“The council will shortly begin a statutory public consultation process. I would encourage all residents of the county to engage with the process and make their views heard,
? he added.
“Following the consultation process the final plans will be put to the council for consideration.
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