Dún Laoghaire Harbour Master Plan
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is proud to announce the launch of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan, a transformative vision for one of Ireland’s most iconic coastal destinations. Commissioned by the Council, supported by Fáilte Ireland and delivered by a large multidisciplinary team led by ARROW Architects from Copenhagen, the Masterplan has been shaped through a collaborative co-design process. The Masterplan sets out guiding principles to reimagine Dún Laoghaire Harbour as a dynamic, multifunctional space that honours its maritime heritage while embracing contemporary needs and opportunities.
A Harbour Reconnected
The Masterplan seeks to reconnect the Harbour with the town, transforming what was once a functional and fragmented space into a vibrant, accessible and inclusive destination. It outlines a framework for renewal that weaves together cultural identity, sustainability and placemaking, ensuring that change happens across multiple timeframes—from immediate, visible interventions to long-term restructuring of movement, use and governance.
A key feature of the strategy is the creation of a unified sequence of spaces linking the Harbour’s distinct areas—Carlisle Pier, the Old Harbour, St. Michael’s Pier, the Gut and more—into a cohesive experience. Each location will retain its unique character while contributing to an overall sense of flow, inviting people to explore, dwell and return.
What’s in the Masterplan?
The plan includes 30+ projects grouped into six key quarters:
- Urban Quarter
- East Pier Quarter
- Active Quarter
- Marina Quarter
- National Water Sports Campus Quarter
- West Pier and Gut
Projects are prioritised as short, medium and long-term, with some early activation initiatives already underway.
Governance & Funding
Delivery will be guided by a Masterplan Steering Group, ensuring alignment across design, planning, engagement, and funding. The plan will draw on diverse funding streams, including the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), Shared Island Fund, Climate Action Fund, Fáilte Ireland, Sport Ireland, the Department of Agriculture - Foreshore and Marine Infrastructure Funds, among others.
This Masterplan marks the beginning of a new chapter for Dún Laoghaire Harbour—a Harbour for everyone, every day.
You can view and read the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan below.