Floating Pool and Urban Beach Project Proposal
The Dún Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan was published in 2011 following extensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders. One of the exciting and innovate public projects within the Masterplan is the development of a floating swimming pool alongside the renowned East Pier, Dún Laoghaire Harbour.
Inspired by the Badeschiff facility in Berlin, the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company is now proposing to develop a floating pool and ‘urban beach’ facility.
A feasibility study for this project was conducted in 2012, and a project design team was appointed in February 2013. Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company submitted a planning application in late 2013, and conducted a pre-planning consultation with all relevant stakeholders during August and September 2013.
The planning application for this project was approved by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council last Monday, 1st December 2014.
An Urban Beach for Dún Laoghaire Harbour
The plan includes a floating swimming pool containing heated and treated seawater, utilising a converted river barge which will be located within the Harbour. The Urban Beach will include toilets, changing rooms, a café, a wind-protected cafe seating and lounge area, where patrons can relax on a deck chair and enjoy views of the iconic harbour. The facility is designed with a sustainable and environmentally friendly ethos. Materials include the use of a recycled river barge, long life timber cladding, recycled rubber sand effect flooring and recycled timber decking. The pool will use treated sea water which will be heated by extracting heat from the seabed. Low energy technologies will be promoted throughout, and Dun Laoghaire Harbour prioritise energy supply from renewable sources.
The Harbour Company estimates that urban beach has the potential to attract 140,000 visitors per annum and will generate over €1 million per annum for the local economy.
It is planned to open the facility for the summer season in 2016.
According to Gerry Dunne, CEO of the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company: “The granting of planning permission by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is very welcome, and marks a vital step in realising the full potential of the Harbour as a marine, leisure and tourist destination of international calibre.”
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