Clontarf promenade shelters to be renovated by City Council

Shelters located along the Clontarf promenade which are at risk of decay could be turned into tea-rooms or a pop-up kiosk, Dublin City Council has said.

According to a report drafted by the council, the concrete shelters, which were originally introduced for sea swimmers, should be restored and protected.

Originally built by Dublin Corporation in the 1950s, two of the larger shelters require structural works and cleaning to protect them from degradation.

The shelter known locally as the bandstand, and the shelter in the shape of a clam have been earmarked for rejuvenation.

The conservation report recommends both structures could remain as a shelter, with the possibility of also installing a modern tea-room or “pop up” kiosk.

Local Green Party councillor Donna Cooney says she hopes to see the shelters restored and used as public amenities.

“Back in 2021, I found that these iconic structures were not protected,” she says.

“Neither the smaller shelters or the larger ones. Thankfully, the motion was passed to have them added to the list,” she said.

After a motion was passed to begin the process of protecting the shelters, funding was allocated for an architectural report to be carried out to determine what should be done with them.

Cooney says time is against the local authority due to unpredictable weather.

“We were very worried after the storm in 2019. We were concerned the roofs might actually fall in,” she said.

“The circular stand has been blocked off now for a long time.

“It’s great to get this report into our hands which recommends repairs and adding new railings and metalwork for safety.”

Cooney says the shelters have “huge potential” and a tea-room with seating would be “fantastic”.

“It’s important to bring back good seating and the report also recommends smaller windows, with no glazing needed.

Other features such as pull-down shutters and a fresh paint job could also be added, she said.

A popular location for walkers, the Clontarf promenade was also set to receive public toilets for the first time this year.

However, in July it emerged that the council had shelved plans to introduce facilities at the location due to local objections.

“Currently, there are publicly accessible toilets in the Clontarf vicinity at Bull Wall, Dollymount and at the Clontarf Road sports pitches,” the local authority said.

“Regrettably, local objections curtailed plans to put a unit into Clontarf Promenade and there are no plans at the present time to look at Clontarf again.”