The future of Dublin's George's Dock is back on Dublin City Council's agenda after plans for a white water rafting centre and a public outdoor swimming pool (lido) on the site failed to move forward.
At the Dublin Central Area Committee today, a report will be presented to councillors which says the redevelopment of George’s Dock remains on Dublin City Council’s capital programme for 2025-2027 and a budget of €500,000 has been included in the capital programme for future years as alternative options are explored.
In 2019, plans for a white water rafting centre were approved but the project did not proceed due to insufficient funding.
In 2022 a feasibility plan was created for a water training facility and public outdoor pool, but these plans never progressed.
Green Party councillor for the area Janet Horner, who asked for an updated report to be presented to the area committee, said she would like to see the proposal for a public lido being further explored.
She said the site is "too big and too important" not to have a plan for that there is a "lot of momentum" behind the idea of a lido there.
"There are other examples of water-based parks we could use, and that part of the city could really benefit from more public space."
She also said that in the interim, as required conservation works are carried out, she would like the area to be used as a skatepark or a public park.
The area has been used as a temporary events space in recent years for events such as the Dublin Winter Lights Festival.
However, the report to the Local Area Committee says its long-term use will be considered later this year
"A feasibility study on the options for use within the framework of the City's Sports Plan is envisaged to commence at the end of 2025. Strategic development plans for the city and the capital funding program to implement these plans must be taken into account in any long-term plan for George’s Dock.
"Under the City Development plan, which establishes its long-term use under planning, the Dock is zoned for water use.
"It will be necessary to strategically plan for the Dock's future while taking into account its historical significance, the Capital Program for 2027–2029, potential capital funding opportunities and long-term operational costs of any project, the City Sports Plan for 2024–2029, and other relevant policies."
George’s Dock was built in the early 19th Century as part of a complex of warehouses and docks constructed immediately west of the then new Custom House.
It is made up of the outer dock and the inner dock which are connected by a small canal.
It gradually fell into disuse and in March 2016 it was transferred to the ownership of Dublin City Council after the Dublin Docklands Development Authority was disbanded.
