Since the baths in Blackrock and Dun Laoghaire opened in the early 20th century, not one person has drowned in either pool but despite that both were closed back in the 1980s.
On a typical summer’s day at least three thousand people would pay into Blackrock Baths alone. Blackrock Baths also had the only Olympic diving platform in Dublin. It was also the main base for Leinster’s three thousand water polo players in the summer months.
In 2012 it was claimed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council that the remaining derelict structures had become unsafe and should be demolished due to safety concerns. Following an inspection by senior council staff, it emerged that the structures “have suffered from extensive weather damage and from the ravages of the sea”, making them and the adjoining land dangerous to the public.
The concrete had been seriously affected by the wind and waves, while the pool structure was beyond repair. The seating and changing block were in danger of collapse. The council also said that the guard rails to the upper seating area “have rusted away and the steps are exposed”, while the diving platform was seriously corroded and detached from the pool base.
During the 2012 inspection, the council noted extensive graffiti and rubbish in the building, “which suggested it is subject to regular unauthorised access”. It confirmed that it is not feasible to secure the site to prevent unauthorised access.
Following a consultant’s report, county architect Andree Dargan determined that the structures on the site were ‘dangerous structures’ and that “measures must be taken to remove the danger that exists”.
The Blackrock baths were provided for by the railway company in 1839 and were built beside the Blackrock train station. A special train ticket also permitted entrance to the baths. In 1887, the baths were rebuilt in concrete with a large gentlemen’s bath and a smaller ladies’ bath. In 1928, the Urban District Council bought the baths for £2,000 and readied them for the Tailteann Games. The baths, with a 50-metre pool, were well known for their swimming galas and water polo and could accommodate up to 1,000 spectators.”
Eddie Heron lived in Sandycove and is known for his achievement as 36 years undefeated Springboard and Highboard Diving Champion of Ireland. A plaque commemorating him is on the railway bridge that crosses over to the baths.
On 11 September 1891, Thomas Crean, while swimming with fellow students near Blackrock, helped rescue a 21-year-old art student named William Ahern. Crean noticed that Ahern was in trouble and together with a young solicitor named Leachman from Dundrum, he managed to bring him ashore. For his bravery, he was awarded a medal by the Royal Humane Society.
The decline in the use of the baths started in the 1960s when indoor heated swimming pools started to appear. Dún Laoghaire Corporation closed the Blackrock Baths in the late 1980s and by 1992, due to lack of maintenance, parts of the baths were dismantled.[ They have since been sold to developers Treasury Holdings.[18] In 2013, the baths were demolished due to safety concerns following a routine inspection by Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council. It was found that the diving platform had been significantly corroded and detached from the pool base.
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