The fate of the Victorian baths in Dún Laoghaire comes under scrutiny again this evening, but an anticipated council vote on a proposed development of the site is unlikely until after the summer, local councillors said.
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council last month postponed a vote on the controversial plan to demolish the baths and reclaim part of the seashore, so as to give county manger Derek Brady time to answer questions raised at a previous meeting.
The chamber will receive his response tonight but councillors contacted by ireland.comtoday said a vote is unlikely.
The proposal is to build a €140 million development with 180 apartments, shops, restaurants, cafes, swimming pool and leisure centre at the site of the baths on Queen's Road.
A maritime park on five acres of infilled seashore along with a promenade linking the Forty Foot in Sandycove and the East Pier also forms part of the plan along with a 10-storey circular glass tower with a viewing platform and a plaza for open air events.
There have been a number of public demonstrations against the development, with objectors claiming it privatises the seafront and will ruin the distinct appearance of the seaside town.
The Green Party’s Tom Kivlehan said there were "lots of questions to be answered and too much to be gone over" before a vote could be taken. He said all the alternatives for developing the site had not been established and the council must ensure the decision meets with general public approval.
"It would be stupid to push this thing quickly, you’ve got to be bring the people with you," Mr Kivlehan said.
The Greens are opposed to the development in its current form, but other parties are split.
Labour Party councillor Lettie McCarthy describes herself as "inclined towards the project". However, like most councillors, she wants more information and does not expect a vote to be take until after the summer. She said the development must be one "the people can be proud of".
The council maintains it cannot afford to develop the amenities the developer will provide in exchange for planning permission.
Ms McCarthy said the recent developments near Dún Laoghaire, particularly Dundrum, were attracting trade away from the town, and a development to stimulate trade in the area was needed.
The baths hold a special place in many local hearts and have long been associated with the town, despite being closed for 25 years.
Over the years there have been calls for the council to reopen them, but that now seems an unlikely prospect with councillors agreeing the site should be redeveloped.