The initiative is being led by Docklands residents who are urging Waterways Ireland to transform the space into a community facility.
Dave Smith, owner of The Space Between yoga studio on Fenian Street and a resident in the area for 20 years, said he believes the regeneration is “about people”.
“The regeneration of the docks is about people – not just economic and physical regeneration,” he said.
“In the pandemic, it became so clear to people what hasn’t happened. There’s no parks, no green areas, it’s kind of crazy. So, this space could really open up as a gathering spot, a place for people.”
The Grand Canal Dock Residents Association is among the many groups supporting the proposal, alongside individuals with planning, design and cultural experience.
Green Party councillor Claire Byrne is also supportive of the initiative.
Waterways Ireland currently owns the old dry docks, located east of the the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, where the Liffey and Dodder rivers meet the Grand Canal.
The graving docks, which were once a space for shipbuilding and maintenance, have remained derelict and overgrown, subject to illegal dumping.
Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland are currently undertaking a “joint strategic asset development strategy” for the infrastructural and natural assets in the Greater Dublin Area, which they do not expect to complete until late next year.
The old graving docks are located near the Grand Canal basin where the Liffey and Dodder rivers meet
This has sparked the proposal from the Docklands residents for the old graving docks to be used temporarily as a community hub, divided into six phases.
The first phase involves introducing a large green area with two saunas, a cold plunge, seating areas, space for a food truck, and a games area.
The second phase focuses on transforming the concrete area into a sporting facility. Phase three includes creating a “pocket forest”, which will serve as an “outdoor classroom” for schools to explore biodiversity.
The proposals, which have been delivered to Waterways Ireland, would be reversible if they do not fit with the body’s long-term plans.
Mr Smith, who is behind the initiative along with the other stakeholders, said the plan has been built into six parts, with each of them being “realistic”.
“It’s something achievable, even if it starts small – it has huge potential to grow and impact the community,” he said.
“The vision is to activate the area’s storm drains, clean up the canal water, and even incorporate phytoremediation to purify the water, possibly turning it into a swimming area. Saunas, swimming, event spaces, little gigs, maybe theatre shows.
“It’s exciting because this isn’t just an idea; it’s a collective effort by a team of people with real skill and lineage in what they do, all sharing those skills to make it happen.
“Having a space that attracts an intergenerational mix – like saunas and chill-out areas – people enjoying a shared experience, that’s so valuable in building rapport within a neighbourhood,” he added.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Waterways Ireland said: “Waterways Ireland aims to enhance Dublin’s canal and docklands for local and visitor enjoyment, with a focus on sustainable development, heritage preservation, and community inclusion.
“They recently took full ownership of City Block 19, which includes historic graving docks that are protected structures.
“Plans involve repairs to the Sea Lock Gates and development of recreational, cultural, commercial and residential spaces by 2025.
“Waterways Ireland will engage the public through consultations to shape the future of this area as an inclusive urban space,” they added.
