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Dún Laoghaire, Environment, Justice and Latest Press Releases

24 May 2005

Dún Laoghaire Baths proposal a step too far

The Green Party has reiterated its opposition to the proposal to build a large new building complex on the site of the old Dún Laoghaire Baths.

24 May 2005

Dún Laoghaire Baths proposal a step too far

The Green Party has reiterated its opposition to the proposal to build a large new building complex on the site of the old Dún Laoghaire Baths.

It has called for a more modest development on the site that would be in keeping with the character of Dún Laoghaire.

Ciarán Cuffe TD said “Restoring the Baths wouldn’t cost the earth, and would provide a wonderful amenity, particularly for children. We feel the current proposal being put forward by the Council is just too large.”

“Of course it would take more than a lick of paint to reopen the Baths, but we feel that a massive development is inappropriate for this site. We’re worried about the precedent that it would set, and we don’t feel that a large apartment complex is the right way of funding the Baths.

Councillor Kealin Ireland added: “The Baths were part of Dún Laoghaire life for generations. Instead of proposing over-scaled new buildings, we feel that a modest development that would restore the Baths is the best solution for the site.

The Green Party has stated that it will continue its postcard campaign that calls on the County Council to restore, upgrade and reopen the Baths.

Cuffe stated that members of the public can still obtain copies of the “Restore the Baths” postcards from his constituency office at 96 Patrick Street Dún Laoghaire, Tel. 284 6060

The postcards contain the following text:

“For generations the people of Dún Laoghaire enjoyed an amenity that was available to all. We are astonished that the Council has allowed the Baths to deteriorate, especially given the recent economic success of Ireland.

“We understand that Local Authorities are strapped for cash, but we would hope that you would make the restoration of the Baths a top priority.

“We are concerned that the Council appears to be pandering to overblown proposals from developers. All we want is for the Baths to be restored, upgraded and reopened for the people."

ENDS More information on Dún Laoghaire Baths Campaign