The Irish Times

After 13 years of neglect, Clontarf Baths look set for revival as a restaurant and bar complex - unless planning permission granted by Dublin City Council is overturned by An Bord Pleanála. Dublin City Council approved a plan by Abbeybeg Ltd for a two-storey over basement complex with restaurants, tea rooms, a café bar, gourmet foods store, outdoor terraces and a sculpture exhibition centre - despite local objection. Situated on the city side of the wooden bridge to Bull Island, what was once an open air bathing facility is now derelict. Three years ago, An Bord Pleanála refused Abbeybeg planning permission for a similar scheme on the grounds that the site is adjacent to Bull Island - a candidate Special Area of Conservation (SPA) - and would be visually intrusive along a prominent stretch of coastline promenade. Although the site is derelict, the promenade between it and the Clontarf Road is a popular recreation area because of its views over the bay and out to the Irish Sea.