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Displaying items by tag: Sirius Arts Centre Cobh

#PHOTO EXHIBITION -'The Pier' a collection of images created by French photographer Charlie Jouvet was launched this evening at Alliance Francaise, Dublin and continues into next month, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The images portrayed capture a meditative journey from the centre of the island of Cobh to the sea and features the town's former White Star Line pier. It is from this pier that liner tenders took the last passengers to board the R.M.S. Titanic which was anchored offshore.

Jouvet created the images while in residency with the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh where there have been calls to preserve the historic 19th century pier also known locally as the 'Heartbreak' Pier as many emigrants departed Ireland for the last time and to seek new lives abroad.

Constructed of timber, the pier is in a perilous condition and according to experts could collapse unless urgent funding is found, as previously reported on Afloat.ie

The Berlin-based photographer has exhibited in his native France and also in Cambodia, Germany, Poland and Switzerland. His most recent work was at the PhotoPhnomPenh Festival which was held last November.

The Dublin exhibition continues to 21st April and is open to the public (free of charge) at Alliance Française, 1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2. For further information Tel: (01) 676 1732 and opening hours visit www.alliance-francaise.ie/gallery/

Published in Boating Fixtures

Dun Laoghaire Baths Renovation

Afloat has been reporting on the new plans for the publically owned Dun Laoghaire Baths site located at the back of the East Pier since 2011 when plans for its development first went on display by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. 

Foreshore consent was applied for in 2013.

Last used 30 years ago as the 'Rainbow Rapids' before falling into dereliction – the new site does not include a public pool.

The refurbished Dun Laoghaire Baths include the existing Baths Pavilion for use as artist workspaces, a gallery café and for the provision of public toilet facilities. 

Work finally got underway at Dún Laoghaire on the €9 million redevelopments of the old Dún Laoghaire Baths site in June 2018 under a contract with SIAC-Mantovani.

The works have removed dilapidated structures to the rear of the Pavilion to permit the creation of a new route and landscaping that will connect the walkway at Newtownsmith to both the East Pier and the Peoples Park. 

Original saltwater pools have been filled in and new enhanced facilities for swimming and greater access to the water’s edge by means of a short jetty have also been provided.

The works included the delivery of rock armour to protect the new buildings from storm damage especially during easterly gales. 

It hasn't all been plain sailing during the construction phase with plastic fibres used in construction washing into the sea in November 2018

Work continues on the project in Spring 2020 with the new pier structure clearly visible from the shoreline.

A plinth at the end of the pier will be used to mount a statue of Roger Casement, a former Sandycove resident and Irish nationalist.