A disused building completed in 1889 with the aim of saving lives at sea is being revamped as part of the €54-€57 million rejuvenation of Ireland’s youngest large town. Balbriggan’s RNLI Boathouse was built 125 years ago, following a number of tragedies off its coast. Finished in 1889, on the edge of Balbriggan beach, opposite a lighthouse, It sits under the town’s iconic eleven arch railway viaduct at the harbour. Both the Boathouse and Viaduct are protected structures. The RNLI Boathouse has rock faced and ashlar limestone walls, a slate roof, ornate timber panelling construction at roof level and exposed timber roof trusses. This protected structure is of great architectural, artistic and historical interest. The proposed works will conserve the building in accordance with good conservation practices. The RNLI Boathouse project is part of the €15million Balbriggan Quay Street and Harbour redevelopment project currently underway. The Quay Street and Harbour redevelopment project is the flagship element of the near €60 million Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme. The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme is led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Enterprise, Cultural and Tourism Department. Expressions of interest for the commercial use of Balbriggan’s RNLI Boathouse, located adjacent to the day to day access point for the beach, will be advertised in 2025. Fingal County Council
