Menu

Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Roger Casement Statue Installed at Dún Laoghaire Baths

14th September 2021
The new Roger Casement Statue is installed at the Dún Laoghaire Baths site that is undergoing refurbishment
The new Roger Casement Statue is installed at the Dún Laoghaire Baths site

The Roger Casement statue has been lifted into place at the end of the new jetty at the Dún Laoghaire Baths project, currently under construction.

The statue was commissioned by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and commemorates Casement who was born in Sandycove in 1864, became an early international human rights campaigner and who was executed for his part in the 1916 Rising.

Speaking at the arrival of the sculpture to the site (on September 13th), An Cathaoirleach Lettie McCarthy, said ‘I am delighted to see this sculpture of Roger Casement being lifted into place. It is a remarkable piece that will undoubtedly become a focal point of interest. Its arrival also marks further progress on the redevelopment of the Dún Laoghaire Baths area.’

The three-metre high Sir Roger Casement bronze statue is installed on the new jetty at the Dun Laoghaire BathsThe three-metre high Sir Roger Casement bronze statue is installed on the new jetty at the Dun Laoghaire Baths Photo: Afloat

As Afloat previously reported, the statue was created by sculptor Mr Mark Richards FRSS following an open competition and is a representational bronze, standing over 3m tall.

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.