Dublin port’s diving bell to become tourist attraction

Dublin port’s diving bell, a symbol of Dublin’s maritime heritage, is to get a 21st-century tourist-friendly makeover.

A restoration project begins this week to transform the 13m, 90 tonne structure into an interpretative centre. Work will be completed by mid-June.

The diving bell, located on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, was used for almost 90 years to build the city’s quay walls.

The bell will be elevated on to a 2m steel structure, creating access for the public underneath, where a sensory water feature will simulate the experience of being inside a working diving bell.

The diving bell was designed by the port engineer, Bindon Blood Stoney, and built by Grendon and Company in Drogheda, Co Louth.

As Dublin Ballast Board’s chief engineer, Mr Stoney was responsible for building deep-water quays along the river Liffey. He used a novel method of underwater construction whereby massive concrete blocks were made on the quayside and lowered into position on to the river bed.

The project is being undertaken by Weslin Construction. A crane will move the diving bell to its temporary home, 15m from where it now stands.

ÁINE McMAHON