Strong public support has been revealed for a public lido at George’s Dock

70% of residents support the recreational use of the historic dock, which currently sits empty.

A recent public consultation involving over 2,000 submissions reveals overwhelming support for transforming Dublin’s George’s Dock into a public swimming pool or lido - with more than 70% of residents favouring recreational use of the historic dock. 90% of those respondents said that they wanted the site developed as a public swimming pool or lido, with the results highlighting a clear demand for an affordable, year-round public amenity. In recent years, proposals have been made that ranged from white water rafting facilities to events spaces, with campaigners pushing for the space to be an affordable public amenity. Beyond the facility itself, Dubliners emphasized that any redevelopment must prioritize full accessibility, public ownership, and high maintenance standards to ensure the site’s long-term community viability. The next steps include stakeholder workshops, conservation works on the docks (due to conclude in April), temporary activations planned, and long-term planning.

The project is being spearheaded Dublin City Lido (run by 4 volunteers) who are passionate about bringing a top-class outdoor amenity to the city. They want Dublin to take inspiration from cities like London, Helsinki, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam, who greatly benefit from outdoor lidos and public pools.

The designs were created by Studio Octopi, and it aims to bring a world-class heated outdoor pool to Dublin. The model aims to ensure affordable access for all, operated by a not-for-profit model - model already used at facilities like Sean McDermott Street Pool and Swan Leisure.

Proposed features include a 50m all-season heated pool, a learning pool, sauna, and plunge pool. There would also be water gardens with public seating , a community function room, café, and garden.