Menu

Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Dun Laoghaire Baths Swimming & Boating Jetty Takes Shape on Dublin Bay

10th April 2019
The partially completed new jetty at the Dun Laoghaire Baths site photographed this week at low tide. When finished DLR says the pier will permit swimmers to enter deep water clear of the rocks at low tide The partially completed new jetty at the Dun Laoghaire Baths site photographed this week at low tide. When finished DLR says the pier will permit swimmers to enter deep water clear of the rocks at low tide

Progress on the redevelopment of the Dun Laoghaire Baths site on Dublin Bay continues apace with part of the newly-built pier and jetty now clearly visible in the Scotsman's Bay area at the back of the East Pier.

When finished the jetty will provide access to the water's edge for swimmers and landing points for canoes, kayaks and other water sports equipment. The new pier will extend approximately 15m beyond the end of an existing concrete feature permitting swimmers to enter deep water clear of the rocks at low tide. 

A newly commissioned statue of local former Sandycove resident and Irish nationalist Roger Casement will be sited at the end of the new pier. 

the baths dun laoghaireThe new baths development for Dun Laoghaire showing the new swim jetty

As Afloat.ie previously reported, the new Dún Laoghaire Baths, which has been designed by DLR Architects' Department, will see a new public café linked to an outdoor terrace with views over the Bay, along with studio workspaces for artists and new lifeguard facilities. New public toilet facilities at street level will be fully accessible for the mobility impaired.

casement statueThe new Roger Casement statue destined for a plinth at the end of the swim jetty

Afloat.ie Team

About The Author

Afloat.ie Team

Email The Author

Afloat.ie is Ireland's dedicated marine journalism team.

Have you got a story for our reporters? Email us here.

We've got a favour to ask

More people are reading Afloat.ie than ever thanks to the power of the internet but we're in stormy seas because advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news sites, we haven't put up a paywall because we want to keep our marine journalism open.

Afloat.ie is Ireland's only full-time marine journalism team and it takes time, money and hard work to produce our content.

So you can see why we need to ask for your help.

If everyone chipped in, we can enhance our coverage and our future would be more secure. You can help us through a small donation. Thank you.

Direct Donation to Afloat button

Dun Laoghaire Baths Renovation

Afloat has been reporting on the new plans for the publically owned Dun Laoghaire Baths site located at the back of the East Pier since 2011 when plans for its development first went on display by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. 

Foreshore consent was applied for in 2013.

Last used 30 years ago as the 'Rainbow Rapids' before falling into dereliction – the new site does not include a public pool.

The refurbished Dun Laoghaire Baths include the existing Baths Pavilion for use as artist workspaces, a gallery café and for the provision of public toilet facilities. 

Work finally got underway at Dún Laoghaire on the €9 million redevelopments of the old Dún Laoghaire Baths site in June 2018 under a contract with SIAC-Mantovani.

The works have removed dilapidated structures to the rear of the Pavilion to permit the creation of a new route and landscaping that will connect the walkway at Newtownsmith to both the East Pier and the Peoples Park. 

Original saltwater pools have been filled in and new enhanced facilities for swimming and greater access to the water’s edge by means of a short jetty have also been provided.

The works included the delivery of rock armour to protect the new buildings from storm damage especially during easterly gales. 

It hasn't all been plain sailing during the construction phase with plastic fibres used in construction washing into the sea in November 2018

Work continues on the project in Spring 2020 with the new pier structure clearly visible from the shoreline.

A plinth at the end of the pier will be used to mount a statue of Roger Casement, a former Sandycove resident and Irish nationalist.