‘Significant’ works needed to protect Clontarf shelters, says DCC

Significant works are needed to prevent further deterioration of the Clontarf promenade shelters, Dublin City Council has said.

In a report to councillors, DCC said that the shelters and bandstand have eroded and rusted over time.

The structures were built between 1955 and 1958 by Dublin Corporation and are currently in the process of being added to the record of protected structures.

The local authority says although the roof of the circular bandstand is not in immediate danger of collapse “significant structural repair” works are needed to reinforce and refurbish the monument.

The bandstand has recently been fenced off due to concerns regarding its structural stability.

Conservation Architect Fergal McNamara said the bandstand has “inevitably” eroded over the years due to its proximity to the sea.

He also said the steel within the concrete has severely rusted.

“There isn’t much sign of major structural stress there except for the fact it’s starting to be worn away,” he said.

“The building isn’t unstable, but it is corroding.

“When those bars and the concrete start to lose mass it will become unstable over time, but it is something that can be repaired.”

Another shelter, a large linear structure is in “better condition” but is only a “skeleton” of its original form, McNamara said.

All of its wooden timber screens and benches have also been removed and is now “vulnerable” to anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

“Underneath there is evidence of graffiti, fires being set, and deterioration of the reinforcement bars,” he said.

According to the report, the linear structure is in “reasonably good condition” and there is “little risk of immediate collapse”.

The repair of the shelters involves cleaning the decayed concrete and rust, protection of the steel reinforcement, and resurfacing the columns, plinths and slabs using specialist repair mortars.

The report says that remedial works are also needed to restore the “historic character” of the structures which involves the installation of railings and seating.

In 2022, councillors voted to list the eight shelters located along the promenade on the record of protected structures.

Green Party councillor Donna Cooney raised concerns that the structures are “deteriorating” and are often used by the public.

“They are probably one of the most iconic structures we identify with the northside of Dublin and Clontarf,” she said at this month’s North Central Area Committee meeting.

“I’m concerned we are not moving quickly enough to protect them,” she said.

“They are deteriorating beyond when the original report was done.

“I can see the corrosion and am concerned they will deteriorate further,” she added.