Displaying items by tag: Coastguard Cottages

20th February 2023

Former Coastguard Cottages in Crosshaven to Be Converted for Social Housing

A number of derelict coastguard cottages in Crosshaven are to be converted into social housing, as the Irish Examiner reports.

Plans for 24 social housing units at the central location overlooking Cork Harbour echo those for Dun Laoghaire’s own former coastguard cottages approved last year.

A total 12 one-bed and 12 three-bed units will be developed at what had become an eyesore at the gateway to Crosshaven village.

The Crosshaven Coastguard cottages are facing the Royal Cork Yacht Club and its marina at the top of the above photo and pictured at the bottoon of the drawing below. Crosshaven Garda station is the white cottage on left. The proposed new builds will be in the green area behind the cottages. The Crosshaven Coastguard Building is pictured in the foreground behind the cottages. Photo: Bob Bateman

crosshaven plans

In addition, seven existing residences on the site will be turned into two-bed units by Cork County Council, who voted to approve the project recently.

The Irish Examiner has more on the story HERE.

Published in Cork Harbour

Tagged under

DLRCoCo Aims to Restore Harbour’s Coastguard Cottages as Social Housing

The Coastguard Cottages at Dun Laoghaire Harbour

Plans to restore Dun Laoghaire Harbour’s Coastguard Cottages for social housing are among the local authority’s list of goals and achievements throughout what’s been a tumultuous 2020.

Most recently restored in 2014 and occupied by the combined Dun Laoghaire Waterfront Clubs, the four unoccupied cottages adjacent to the Commissioners of Irish Lights headquarters date from the mid-1800s.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has confirmed in its 2021 budget report that its architects and Housing Department are looking at plans to renovate the buildings as social homes (see page 104).

This is among other works on the waterfront, including an engineering survey of the West Pier that’s expected to commence before the end of the year.

Other achievements highlighted for the year include works to realign steps on the East Pier, restoration of ratings and the lighthouse on the West Pier, revitalised seating on the ferry terminal plaza and an ongoing repair project on the timber fenders at Berth 4.

Published in Dun Laoghaire Harbour News

Tagged under

Forty Foot Swimming Spot on Dublin Bay

The 'Forty Foot' is a rocky outcrop located at the southern tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove, County Dublin from which people have been swimming in the Irish Sea all year round for 300 years or more. It is popular because it is one of few spots between Dublin city and Greystones in County Wicklow that allows for swimming at all stages of the tide, subject to the sea state.

Forty Foot History

Traditionally, the bathing spot was exclusively a men's bathing spot and the gentlemen's swimming club was established to help conserve the area.

Owing to its relative isolation and gender-specific nature it became a popular spot for nudists, but in the 1970s, during the women's liberation movement, a group of female equal-rights activists plunged into the waters and now it is also open to everyone and it is in the control of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Many people believe that swimming in extremely cold water is healthy and good for the immune system.

Is it safe to swim at the Forty Foot?

The Forty-Foot is a great place to swim because there is always enough water to get a dip but like all sea swimming, there are always hazards you need to be aware of. For example, a lot of people like to dive into to the pool at the Forty-foot but there are submerged rocks that can be hazardous especially at low water. The Council have erected signs to warn people of the underwater dangers. Other hazards include slippy granite cut stone steps that can often be covered with seaweed and of course marine wildlife including jellyfish that make their presence felt in the summer months as do an inquisitive nearby Sandycove seal colony.