Status: Phase 1 Substantially completed 2nd December 2022. Phase 2A: Mobility/Accessibility Works At construction
General
The Baths project was approved at a Meeting of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in October 2015 and following the appointment of consultants and the completion of design development and tender action, SIAC Construction Ltd. / Ing.E Mantovani Joint Venture was appointed to undertake the construction of the works in April 2018. The project was financed by the Council with Grant funding of €1.1m for the Project being made available from the European Regional Development Fund’s S&E Regional Programme 2014-20 “Designated Urban Centres Grant Scheme” which is managed by the Southern Regional Assembly.
A Phased Project
Due to the complexity of the overall project, it was divided into two phases, with the upgrading of the walkways included in the second phase. Dividing the project into phases allows some of the facilities to be opened to the public as they are completed, rather than waiting for the entire project to be completed. These include the Changing Places bathroom, Artists’ Studios and the Café.
The Core Project Delivered
The first phase of the Dún Laoghaire Baths project was formally opened on 13th December 2022. The approved plan for the Baths project includes the area that is now open, and also includes the upgrading of walkways from this site towards the existing East Pier in Dún Laoghaire. The site that is now open consists of facilities at street level, at mid-level and at lower level, an amphitheatre and a pier.
To date significant numbers of people can be observed enjoying the facility. This includes promenading, taking in the views from the Jetty and enjoying the new Casement Memorial Statue. Swimmers and swimming groups have begun using the beach and steps to access the water and it is expected that numbers will continue to grow as the summer approaches. Swimmers have two points of entering the water. The first is off the stairs leading down from the jetty and the second is from the lower plaza area where there are steps with handrails that lead to a tidal beach area. Both points of entry permit access at low tide. This arrangement also facilitates canoes and stand-up paddleboards to alight at the Baths. The area has been risk assessed by Water Safety Ireland and the placement of signage and lifebuoys complies with their recommendations
Café Tender and Artist Studios
An open tender for the Café generated significant interest, tenders have been evaluated and Container Café T/A Happy Out Café, a social enterprise, has won the tender. The café opened to the public on 26th July 2023. The Artists’ Studios are now occupied.
Dún Laoghaire Baths Phase 2A - Mobility/Accessibility Works
Following the completion of Phase 1 of the Dlr Baths project, a commitment was given to prioritise and develop a tender based on the 2015 Part 8 approved link between the mid and lower levels, that in 2018 were allocated to be undertaken as a follow-on project (phase 2).
This process has now been completed, the contractor has been appointed and construction is due to be completed in Q3 2024..
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORKS
Phase 2 works consists of the provision of universal access works from Queen’s Road down to the level of the new Jetty and will be ongoing for a duration of 35 weeks.
Works will incorporate universally accessible ramps and steps with seating at intervals along the routes, paved areas, associated drainage works and public lighting.
The existing promenade nearest sea level will be raised and will include extensive seating and railings.
The soft landscaping begun in Phase 1 of DLR Baths will continue through into the Phase 2 works
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Throughout the duration of Phase 2 works an extended area (towards the east pier) will be closed for public access and will be hoarded for safety.
The Baths pavilion, access to the lower levels from Newtownsmith carpark direction and the coastal mobility route will remain active during works. The Queen’s Road footpath along the site will be reduced in width.
All construction work, including works compound, will be contained within the hoarded off-site area, so there will be no disruption to the traffic along the Queen’s Road, Windsor Terrace or the Coastal Mobility cycling route. 4 parking bays will be used for site deliveries and a crossing point will be manned.
Engagement has taken place with the DLR Disability Consultation Group and an independent Accessibility consultant with regards to the works and comments received have been taken on board.
Gallery
