This is the first time that the military Battery will be opened up since it was built in 1859. Extensive signage has been put in place to explain the history of the lighthouse, artillery bell and housing within the complex. The long-term plan is to fully restore the East Pier Battery as a public amenity.
With the appropriate restoration works, the East Pier Battery could have the potential to accommodate exhibition space and modest catering facilities. This initiative was announced today Friday 28 August by Sean Costello, Chairman of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company.
Mr. Costello referred to the ritual of regular walkers of the pier to touch the gate, to signify that they are half way on their journey, before commencing the walk back. He welcomed the fact that the few who have been behind the walls will have to share, and will do so gladly, the spectacular views of Dublin Bay from the East Pier Battery.The East Pier Battery is a protected structure, and represents an important example of a defensive marine structure of the nineteenth century. It is a significant and interesting part of the harbour structure and remains largely intact, but does require additional repair, upgrade and maintenance. In 2008, the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company commissioned a conservation report on the East Pier Battery from Shaffrey Associates Architects, and this will be the reference point for any work to be undertaken.
The granite lighthouse, which stands in the centre of the East Pier Battery, was constructed to the design of George Halpin, Chief Engineer of the Ballast Board of Dublin and was commissioned in 1847. The military Battery was built around this lighthouse between 1859 and 1860. At one time, it housed large calibre guns, a powder magazine and one officer and 24 men. After the nineteenth century, it was largely unoccupied and never saw military action. The East Pier Battery lighthouse still continues to function and is maintained by the Commissioners for Irish Lights. The guns are now only used by the Naval Service for ceremonial gun salutes.
In his concluding remarks, Sean Costello said that moving forward into the next decade, the focus of the Dun Laoghaire harbour Company will be firmly fixed on the opening of further facilities in the harbour. “We do this to further the marine, leisure and tourism potential for Dun Laoghaire in a manner which reflects and supports the objectives of all stakeholders. We do this in a manner which reflects and supports the objectives of the draft County Development Plan”.
