The Roger Casement Statue was lifted into place at the end of the new jetty, commemorating Casement who was born in Sandycove in 1864, became an early international human rights campaigner and who was executed for his part in the 1916 Rising.
Commissioned by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the statue was created by sculptor Mr Mark Richards FRSS following an open competition and is a representational bronze standing over 3m tall.
Speaking at the arrival of the sculpture to the site, An Cathaoirleach Lettie McCarthy, said: "I am delighted to see this sculpture of Roger Casement being lifted into place. It is a remarkable piece that will undoubtably become a focal point of interest. Its arrival also marks further progress on the redevelopment of the Dún Laoghaire Baths area."
-- Advertisement --
Works at the Dún Laoghaire Baths site are now significantly advanced. Completion was expected in December 2021 but due to Covid and other site factors, the project is likely to be delivered in late Spring 2022. When complete the project will provide for the continuing public use of the area. The current projected cost is €13.5m which includes the refurbishment of the existing Baths Pavilion, constructing a new jetty to give easy access to the water for swimming and the creation of a new route between Newtownsmith and the East Pier. This walkway will be at a level that will create a safe and secure walk offering panoramic views over Scotsman's Bay. The form of this walk will reflect the original rocky shoreline and the historic alignment of the old gun battery that was originally located on this site. The walkway will incorporate sitting and viewing points and the land adjoining this walk will be re-graded to create sloping grassed areas. The scheme also includes the refurbishment of the historic small gazebo situated along this route.
The former Pavilion building has been substantially refurbished to provide studio space for artists and to provide gallery and café facilities overlooking Scotsman's Bay. The original Baths entrance along Windsor Terrace is being restored to provide access to the building while an outdoor 'café terrace' linked to the new café will provide an attractive sitting area for viewing, eating and relaxing. The Pavilion will also provide a new public toilets Changing Places facility and will be accessible for wheelchair users.
