Rathmines pool to be redeveloped

Rathmines swimming pool will get a €35 million makeover as a leisure and residential development if a planning application by…

Rathmines swimming pool will get a €35 million makeover as a leisure and residential development if a planning application by Dublin City Council is successful.

Dublin City Council assistant area manager Frank Lambe says the site is being redeveloped because the 1970s-style stand-alone pool "is no longer what the public demands".

The proposal is for a combined 10,500sq m (16,145sq ft) development with a sports and leisure facility and an eight-storey tower element on the corner of Rathmines Road and William Park.

A multi-purpose sports hall and 46 residential units will be located at the upper levels, a portion of which will be social and affordable housing.

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Donnelly Turpin architects won a competition in 2003 to redevelop the pool run by Dublin City Council and RIAI. If planning permission is granted the plan is to close the pool in summer 2006.

The development will have 94 car-parking spaces at basement level, a café, reception area, office, aerobics studio, 25 metre swimming pool with moveable floor, sauna, steam room, gym and health therapy suites.

Frank Lambe says the design will be modern but will be appreciative of surrounding buildings.

The façade is sandstone to mirror the town hall across the road .

The plans and particulars of the development are on display at Rathmines Library and Dublin City Council civic offices until October 13th.

Edel Morgan

Edel Morgan

Edel Morgan is Special Reports Editor of The Irish Times