SWIM IRELAND BACKS CALLS FOR OUTDOOR LIDO AS NEW CONCEPTUAL IMAGES RELEASED
16th November 2024, Dublin, Ireland: The Dublin City Lido Campaign today announces the release of its latest design and conceptual images for a public outdoor swimming pool (Lido) at George’s Dock, Dublin. Created in partnership with acclaimed outdoor swimming architect Chris Romer-Lee of Studio Octopi and funded through an ongoing GoFundMe campaign, the images confirm the genuine opportunity that exists for the people of Dublin and beyond to enjoy a state-of-the-art heated outdoor swimming facility.
The updated designs include an accessible 50-metre all-season heated pool, a smaller learning pool, sauna and plunge pool, changing facilities, water gardens with public seating, restored dock walls, community function room, a café, and viewing gallery. The conceptual images have been updated from previous versions released in 2023 to take into account feedback from Dublin City Councillors and members of the DCC executive.
“These images communicate the enormous benefit a Lido would bring to people in Dublin including long-established local communities, residents throughout the city, and visitors to the capital,” said Patrick Earls, founder of the Dublin City Lido campaign. “A heated outdoor pool would ensure year-round access for all types of swimmers, providing our city with an inclusive and unique facility.”
Optimal Design
The updated designs form part of an overall feasibility study examining all options for the site which is being undertaken by the grassroots group, prompted by extensive feedback from Dublin City Council (DCC) in early 2023. The study has concluded that an outdoor swimming facility of a specific scale would be viable from a design and economic perspective. Renowned engineering firm Civic, excited by the potential of the municipal proposal, provided its expertise on a pro-bono basis.
“These images reflect an optimal design informed by a feasibility study we have been undertaking for the past 18 months,” continued Earls. “Having examined all possible uses for the site, a medium sized inclusive Lido combining swimming pools, green space, and community facilities offer the most value for the public. Our proposal promotes mental and physical health benefits for all users, affordable access, swimming and water safety for children and adults, and accessible green space and seating for non-swimmers.”
The campaign intends on presenting its feasibility study to both the DCC executive and Dublin City Councillors early in the new year to demonstrate the viability of Dublin City Lido, with the ultimate aim of DCC - which is the owner of the site - commencing preliminary work to move the development forward.
Call for DCC Feasibility on a Dublin City Lido
The Dublin City Lido campaign is calling for DCC to build on the voluntary work that has been done to date and commit to funding a further public coded feasibility study from the current capital budget. This is echoed by the national governing body of swimming, Swim Ireland, which has partnered with Dublin City Lido to provide support and to advance the campaign in alignment with the National Swimming Strategy.
Sarah Keane, Chief Executive Officer of Swim Ireland said, “Whilst we recognise that there are a lot of differing demands on Dublin City Council in terms of infrastructure, we believe that there is a strong case for an outdoor Lido in Dublin City. We recognise DCC’s existing commitment to sporting infrastructure and indeed swimming pools and we would urge them to support the call by the Dublin City Lido campaign for a feasibility study to consider the practical aspects of a Lido in Dublin City and to support reasoned decision making.”
Lagging Behind
Data compiled by Dublin City Lido shows that Dublin is lagging behind other European cities of comparative size and density in the provision of municipal outdoor swimming facilities. Many cities globally of comparable size such as Helsinki and Copenhagen operate a minimum of three Lidos. Dublin is falling behind even smaller cities from Bristol to Amsterdam which have one and seven Lidos respectively despite lower population density.
“Other livable, modern and ambitious cities offer recreational and sporting facilities of this nature. For a metropolitan city of our size we would expect to have at least one outdoor public swimming pool in Dublin. We believe that it’s not a case of if, but when Dublin is brought in line with other global cities in the provision of these public amenities,” said Sarah Walker, Director of Dublin City Lido campaign. “The project already aligns with widespread national and EU policy and we would expect to see the Department of Sport, and Local Government and TDs respond to the importance of the project by assisting in securing funding. We hope that George’s Dock will be the first Lido but do not expect it to be the only one in our city in the next 10 years.”
Local Engagement
The new images follow the recent Dublin City Taskforce report which was published amid debate about the challenges facing Dublin’s inner city and the decline in social cohesion. The campaign has consulted extensively with local community and sports groups and is focused on ensuring affordable access is central to the proposal. Feedback from community groups has been positive with recognition that an inclusive facility could provide a vital piece of social infrastructure helping to regenerate the inner city.
“These challenges facing the North Inner City are complex and multifaceted,” continued Walker. “However we believe that the development of a well-operated and inclusive Lido would have positive social effects helping to rejuvenate our great city. It could empower local communities, attract more Dubliners to the city centre and make inner city living even more appealing.”
This view is echoed by David McRedmond, CEO of An Post and Chair of the Taoiseach’s Taskforce for Dublin: “The Dublin City Taskforce’s recommendations focused on offering Dubliners compelling reasons to live in and visit the city centre, and the Lido is a great example of an ambitious amenity that will address dereliction and create an appealing, accessible and positive space for all Dubliners. Whilst the Task Force report was focussed on broader elemental actions, I am excited by the Lido proposal which deserves very serious consideration.”
Dublin City Lido has identified the best operational model in order to ensure a high standard public facility where affordable access is guaranteed. It recommends that the facility is run by an expert not-for-profit operator on behalf of Dublin City Council which should retain ownership of the facility. This proven model is already successfully in use at other Dublin facilities such as Sean McDermott Street Swimming Pool and Swan Leisure Pools in Rathmines and Crumlin. The campaign reports that multiple experienced operators have expressed interest in running the Lido.
The Dublin City Lido campaign has to date raised over €11,000 of €20,000 to cover the costs for the new design and images. Those who wish to support the campaign can make a donation at https://gofund.me/27103154.
