Public Consultation opens on Dun Laoghaire Harbour Draft Masterplan

Today, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council have launched the public consultation on the Draft Masterplan for Dún Laoghaire Harbour, inviting residents, stakeholders, and visitors to share their views on the future of this iconic coastal destination.

The Draft Masterplan outlines a bold and long-term vision for a ‘Living Harbour’—a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable waterfront that enhances recreation, tourism, and economic vitality while strengthening climate resilience and biodiversity.

Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council highlighted:

“This Masterplan is about reimagining Dún Laoghaire Harbour as a place where people can connect with the water and nature, and spend time together. We’ve already received incredibly thoughtful feedback during the Pre-Draft phase, and we’re excited to continue that conversation with the wider community. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Dún Laoghaire Harbour. We want to hear from everyone who lives in, works in, or visits the area”.

The Masterplan reimagines Dún Laoghaire Harbour as a vibrant, living part of daily life—where people can walk, swim, sail, and gather by the water’s edge. Rather than preserving the past in place, it builds on the town’s maritime legacy to create a Harbour that’s open, connected, and welcoming. The vision sees the Harbour not as a single site, but as a series of linked spaces—each with its own character, yet united by movement and purpose. Some changes will happen quickly, others over time, but all aim to restore the Harbour as a place where the town meets the sea – face to face.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

“The ideas in this Draft Masterplan have been shaped by the community. During the Pre-Draft phase, members of the public shared a strong desire to see the Harbour reimagined as a vibrant, accessible space—activating the waterfront with enhanced public facilities, supporting local businesses, promoting sustainable tourism, and improving connectivity through better pedestrian, cycling, and transport links. This feedback has been instrumental in guiding our vision for a Living Harbour.”