WORK on the long-awaited redevelopment of Dún Laoghaire’s derelict Victorian Baths is due to commence this summer.
According to Senator Victor Boyhan, Dun Laoghiare Rathdown County Council has confirmed that the works have gone to tender and that a decision is due shortly.
The planned programme of works is expected to cost €2.5 million.
The dilapidated salt water pools will be filled in to provide a shallow access swimming area to the sea.
A new jetty will be constructed to provide better access to the water for swimmers and to provide a landing point for kayaks and canoes.
A new cafe and terrace, artists’ studios and gallery will be developed at the Edwardian Baths Pavilion.
Senator Boyhan, a long-time advocate for the rejuvenation of the Dun Laoghaire seafront, and a former councillor for the area, said he was excited about the plans and very pleased that work on the site would finally get underway.
“A lot of arguments have ensued over many years about the future of the Baths site,” he said. “But I am particularly pleased that the council abandoned all plans to construct private residential apartments on this site.
“Like others, I always argued that the Baths site was an important public amenity area that needed to be retained and enhanced for generations to come.
“So many children in the town learnt to swim in the old Baths. I will always cherish the wonderful memories and friends I made on those long summer days in the auld baths.”
Senator Boyhan added: “When the redevelopment of the Baths site is complete, the pavilion and jetty will be a great amenity, not only for locals but also for thousands of visitors.
“I am particularly pleased that the site will remain in public ownership.”
Funding for the Dun Laoghaire Baths project will come from the council’s Capital Fund.