Study to examine feasibility of Dún Laoghaire baths site

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has chosen a preferred bidder to provide a feasibility study for the development of the Dún Laoghaire baths site.

Royal Haskoning Consulting Engineers, an international consultancy firm in maritime and marine sector developments, is to be offered the project. It is expected that a contract will be agreed between the firm and the council in the next few weeks.

The study will examine the feasibility of designing an improvement scheme from the East Pier in Dún Laoghaire to Sandycove, including the Dún Laoghaire baths site and incorporating the Sutton to Sandycove promenade and cycleway.

It will include a preliminary design for the project and will take into account recommendations made by the council's subcommittee on Dún Laoghaire baths.

The subcommittee, made up of local councillors, was formed after a council development proposal for the site was rejected by councillors in 2005.

There was huge local opposition to the proposal, which included high-rise residential development.

The chairman, Cllr Eugene Regan (FG), said a fundamental issue identified by the subcommittee and reflected in the brief is the need to provide adequate sea defences to minimise the effects of coastal erosion on the site and to protect what is intended as a major public amenity.

"Access to the sea for sea bathing either by direct access or through an outdoor swimming pool is to be examined as well as facilities for other water sports and public spaces for cultural events," he said.