27th August 2001

PRESS RELEASE

RESTORE DUN LAOGHAIRE BATHS

The Green Party has called on Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council to restore the public baths at Dún Laoghaire for use as an outdoor public bathing facility. The Party has given its full backing to the public march being held next Sunday 2^nd September to draw attention to the state of the Baths.

“We are calling on Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council to restore the baths for public use”, explained Green Party Councillor Ciarán Cuffe today. The water in Dublin Bay is being cleaned up by the new Ringsend Treatment Plant, and sea-water baths would be very popular.

“Just looking at the numbers of people swimming at Sandycove and Forty-Foot shows how busy the baths could be. The provision of sensitively designed tea-shop, juice-bar and gym facility could extend the use of the Baths through the winter months.

The Green Party has called on Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Council to restore the baths and to make a public statement on the issue. Next Sunday’s march will show the Local Authority that action is needed.

‘How is it that Dublin City Council can build boardwalks, pedestrian bridges and rebuild swimming baths while Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Council throws up its hands and says the money isn’t there to restore the Baths?

ENDS

Information contact:

Ciarán Cuffe   6183082   or   087 265 2075

Vincent McDowell 280 6700