One million in cash to get baths plan off the ground

OVER one million euro is to be provided towards the redevelopment of the Dún Laoghaire Baths site, it has been revealed.

Cllr Carrie Smyth (Lab) has welcomed news that €1.1m has been secured from the European Regional Development Fund through the Department of the Environment and the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly for the works.

“This is great news for Dun Laoghaire,” she said. “The redevelopment of the Dun Laoghaire Baths site will add a fantastic new amenity to the people of Dun Laoghaire and its surrounding areas and will help to promote the town as a tourist destination. 

“I remember using the baths as a child and during my teenage years, making many visits to Rainbow Rapids.

“It is a place that is much-loved by the people of the area. The site has been unused since 1997, meaning this re-development is long overdue.  

“The planned redevelopment will see the baths pavilion retained and upgraded so it can be opened up for other uses. The space will be fitted out to accommodate a gallery and studio spaces for artists. The outbuildings will be regenerated into a new outdoor café terrace. 

“New pedestrian and cycle routes will be created through the pavilion to the town centre and a new pedestrian route will be created to connect the walkway at Newtownsmith with the East Pier.”

Cllr Smyth revealed that a new changing area and jetty for swimmers and other water users will also be created.

“The whole project is expected to cost in the region of €2.7m but this initial €1.1m will allow the project to get off the ground in earnest and is a clear signal that this is a project that will happen, not one that might,” she added

“I am delighted that the project can now progress and I look forward to the day when this exciting new facility will be open to the public. It will be a fantastic addition to Dun Laoghaire town.”