GILMORE OPPOSES PROPOSALS
ON DUN LAOGHAIRE BATHS

I have examined the proposals from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, for a major development at Dun Laoghaire Baths.

I do not support these proposals.

I have consistently argued that Dun Laoghaire Baths should be re-developed as an accessible public amenity, in a manner which is sensitive to the local environment. These baths, and the seafront in which they are located, belong to the people of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, and a proposal for development on this site should only proceed with the consent of the general public.

There are three basic elements to the Council’s proposals:

1. Eight Storey Apartments!

The proposal for an eight storey development of approximately 180 apartments is totally out of character with the local built environment. It would dominate the seafront, and effectively privatise this public space. This is not acceptable.

2. Breakwater/Infill.

The Council propose a new breakwater and up to 5 acres of infill to protect the proposed redeveloped area, and to create a new promenade walkway and public park. The creation of additional public space on the seafront has its attractions. However, I remain to be convinced that an infill of this scale would not damage the local marine and coastal environment, and that it might not in the future become the site for further large-scale development. In any event, an infill of this size would have to obtain foreshore permission, and it is by no means clear that this would be forthcoming.

3. Swimming Pool and Leisure Facilities.

The proposal to develop a 25-metre swimming pool, with associated water and leisure facilities, would provide a much needed indoor recreational facility in Dun Laoghaire. This element of the proposal should be given further consideration.

4. Funding.

I accept that because of its location and exposure to the sea, any re-development of Dun Laoghaire Baths will be expensive. I do not, however agree, as the Council suggests, that the sole means of financing such a development is by ceding the major portion of the site for private residential and commercial development. The option of assembling a public fund for an appropriate and proportionate re-development of the baths site has not yet been fully explored. One possible source of such funding is the Development Levy which has now been widened to include the provision of community and recreational amenities. There are also other options under both the Planning and Local Government Acts, which could be explored.

5. Need To Be Positive.

Dun Laoghaire Baths have been derelict and disused for far too long. They should not remain that way. It is not enough for those of us who find the present proposals unacceptable, to simply reject them without considering alternatives. We must address in a practical way the question of what is to be done with the Baths and how is it to be financed. To that end, I will work with all those who wish to retain public control of the Baths and seafront, and who wish to see a suitable and sustainable public amenity developed on the baths site.

Finally I would urge everybody to examine, for themselves, the plans on public display and to make their views known to the Council.

EAMON GILMORE T.D.
May 20th 2005.