CLONTARF BATHS AND ASSEMBLY ROOMS CONSTRUCTION PHASE
The Clontarf Baths have a long and interesting history. Built in 1864, they were originally known as the Clontarf Baths and Assembly Rooms. They were popular with locals and visitors alike, and were used for swimming, water polo, and other aquatic activities.
The baths were closed in 1996 and fell into disrepair. In 2017, a €10 million redevelopment project began to restore the baths to their former glory. The project was completed in 2018, and the baths reopened to the public.
However, the baths have not been open to the general public since then. They are currently used by members of local swimming clubs and camps.
Here is some additional information about the Clontarf Baths:
They are located on Clontarf Road, in the Clontarf area of Dublin.
They are open from Monday to Friday, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
They are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Admission is free for members of local swimming clubs and camps.
For non-members, admission is €5.
There has been quite a bit of local reaction to the Clontarf Baths not being open to the public. It's been a source of frustration and disappointment for many residents. Here's a summary of the situation:
Expectation vs. Reality: When the redevelopment was announced and underway, locals were under the impression that the restored baths would be a public amenity, accessible to everyone. This expectation was fuelled by the fact that public money was used in the redevelopment. However, the reality turned out to be quite different, with access restricted to members of swimming clubs and private groups.
"Sink or Swim" Article: This controversy was well documented in an article in The Journal, titled "Sink or Swim: Inside the battle over access to the historic Clontarf Baths". It highlighted the anger and disappointment felt by many locals.
Council Involvement: Dublin City Council has been involved, putting pressure on the baths' operators to allow public access. They even launched an investigation to ensure the baths were operating in line with planning permissions.
Limited Public Access: In response to the pressure, the baths have occasionally offered limited public sessions, but these are infrequent and not a substitute for regular public access.
Ongoing Debate: The debate continues, with residents and local representatives pushing for a solution that allows the wider community to enjoy this historic facility.
In essence, many locals feel that the Clontarf Baths have become an exclusive club rather than the public amenity they were promised and expected. The situation highlights the tension between private investment and public good, especially when public funds are involved.
The baths were closed in 1996 and fell into disrepair. In 2017, a €10 million redevelopment project began to restore the baths to their former glory. The project was completed in 2018, and the baths reopened to the public.
However, the baths have not been open to the general public since then. They are currently used by members of local swimming clubs and camps.
Here is some additional information about the Clontarf Baths:
They are located on Clontarf Road, in the Clontarf area of Dublin.
They are open from Monday to Friday, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
They are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Admission is free for members of local swimming clubs and camps.
For non-members, admission is €5.
There has been quite a bit of local reaction to the Clontarf Baths not being open to the public. It's been a source of frustration and disappointment for many residents. Here's a summary of the situation:
Expectation vs. Reality: When the redevelopment was announced and underway, locals were under the impression that the restored baths would be a public amenity, accessible to everyone. This expectation was fuelled by the fact that public money was used in the redevelopment. However, the reality turned out to be quite different, with access restricted to members of swimming clubs and private groups.
"Sink or Swim" Article: This controversy was well documented in an article in The Journal, titled "Sink or Swim: Inside the battle over access to the historic Clontarf Baths". It highlighted the anger and disappointment felt by many locals.
Council Involvement: Dublin City Council has been involved, putting pressure on the baths' operators to allow public access. They even launched an investigation to ensure the baths were operating in line with planning permissions.
Limited Public Access: In response to the pressure, the baths have occasionally offered limited public sessions, but these are infrequent and not a substitute for regular public access.
Ongoing Debate: The debate continues, with residents and local representatives pushing for a solution that allows the wider community to enjoy this historic facility.
In essence, many locals feel that the Clontarf Baths have become an exclusive club rather than the public amenity they were promised and expected. The situation highlights the tension between private investment and public good, especially when public funds are involved.
CLONTARF BATHS AND ASSEMBLY ROOMS CONSTRUCTION PHASE