The area was originally earmarked for a white-water rafting facility by Dublin City Council, but the controversial proposal was later rejected due to the cost of more than €25m.
The new images have been shared by the Dublin City Lido Campaign, which hopes to present a feasibility study to council management in the new year.
The updated designs were created in partnership with outdoor swimming architect Chris Romer-Lee, of Studio Octopi, and funded through an ongoing GoFundMe campaign which has raised nearly €14,000 of the €20,000 needed.
Dublin City Lido Campaign has released updated images for a public outdoor swimming pool at George’s Dock. Pic: Studio Octopi
Patrick Earls, founder of the Dublin City Lido Campaign, said the proposal is for an exceptional outdoor swimming facility that will be “easily accessible to the public”.
“We’re so proud to unveil our first image of the updated design for Dublin City Lido at George’s Dock,” the campaigners said.
Patrick, who longed for the outdoor swimming facilities he enjoyed while living abroad, set up the campaign when he realised the unique opportunity at the George’s Dock site.
He works as a GP in the inner city and is passionate about improving Dublin’s public spaces.
“A heated outdoor pool would ensure year-round access for all swimmers, providing Dublin with an inclusive and unique facility. Let’s make it happen,” he said.
The proposal includes several key features: a 50-metre all-season heated pool; a learning pool; a sauna and plunge pool; water gardens with public seating; and a community function room, café and gallery.
The proposed entrance to the Dublin City Lido at George’s Dock. Pic: Studio Octopi
Swim Ireland has also joined the campaign as a partner and is encouraging Dublin City Council to conduct a feasibility study.
The campaign group met with Lord Mayor and newly elected Fine Gael TD James Geoghegan, as well as Central Area and Docklands managers Marie Kavanagh and Shelly O’Riordan from Dublin City Council, at the Mansion House in early October.
The meeting was described as “really constructive”, with the team reviewing progress made by the campaign and discussing future plans.
The group hopes to present the results of the feasibility study to DCC in the new year and, ultimately, to help move forward with the plans for an inclusive outdoor swimming pool in Dublin.
While cities like Helsinki (three lidos), Copenhagen (three), and Amsterdam (seven) have embraced outdoor swimming, Dublin currently has none.
