Potential plans for Dublin’s historical shipyards could be transformed into a communal amenity with a buoyant swimming pool, steam bath facilities and various food outlets that include a small green area, articulated by the inhabitants of the docklands. The Grand Canal Dock Residents Association is imploring Waterways Ireland to implement their temporary proposal to utilise the old dockyards, which were formerly at the centre of the city’s shipbuilding and repair activities but were left deserted in the east side of the city.
The docking facilities are situated east of the Grand Canal, which over the years has evolved into a locality with housing, eateries and recreational areas, including a prominent focal point for the newly evolved technology park, colloquially known as the ‘Silicon Docks’. Despite their significant location and preservation status, the docks are dilapidated, overgrown and despite being encapsulated by barriers and fences, they are frequently subjected to unlawful waste dumping.
Waterways Ireland, a cross-border entity which owns the area, mentioned its ongoing undertaking of a concerted strategic plan with Fáilte Ireland, to develop the existing infrastructure and natural resources in the wider Dublin area. It is however stipulated not to be completed until the end of 2025.
Michael Ingle, Chair of the Grand Canal Dock Residents Association, expressed his concern that the community shouldn’t have to anticipate such a lengthy period to derive some benefit from the site. He said, “On the assumption that Waterways Ireland are aiming to present their strategy by the close of 2025, then logically, it’s unlikely to expect any development occurring until 2027 or 2028 at the earliest.”
He proposed the idea of an interim or temporary solution to put in place a creative and recreational endeavour. “This could be progressively established and, with some financial backing, the site could be tidied and partially landscaped to allow public access,” he added.
The suggested plan is compartmentalised into six consecutive stages. Phase one outlines the inclusion of a vast open grassy space encompassing dual saunas, a cold plunge pool, seating arrangements with room for food vans and a games section. The next step intends to amplify the expanse by transforming a cemented area into a playground and a space for sports activities.
For phase three, there is a proposal of a lively miniature forest that promises to elevate the aesthetic appeal of the area, acting as an outdoor laboratory for schools, providing a chance to learn about biodiversity and sustainability. With the commencement of the fourth phase, the lock-keeper’s house would come to life again, either as a communal space or a small coffee shop. The fifth phase entails the construction of a floating sauna, whereas the concluding phase focuses mainly on the floating swimming pool, inspired from the Badeschiff in Berlin.
Such suggestions, which were submitted to Waterways Ireland, assured to be reversible if they were found incompatible with the long-term agenda of the entity, as stated by Mr Ingle. Any concerns raised by Waterways Ireland were met with a lot of appreciation, empathy, and understanding, demonstrating a commitment to engage and collaborate with community individuals, groups, and all relevant stakeholders. In line with their late 2025 strategy publication, there is a promise of comprehensive public consultations.
Waterways Ireland has put forth the need to accomplish certain operational prerequisites regarding the land in the immediate to medium timescale to facilitate tasks like sea lock gates repair. The organisation asserted the necessity for complete control and access to the graving dock site to carry out preparations and the subsequent work.
Mr. Ingle expressed his discontentment with the slack pace of rejuvenation of the critical docklands site. He criticised the prolonged negligence of the site, identifying past proposals aimed at privatisation of the graving docks. Instead, he championed for public accessibility.
He shared his vision of turning a constant source of negative news for Dublin into a potentially great news story. His belief is that the city could benefit from the execution of a daring, significant and attractive idea which has been a rarity in recent times.