Aquatic centre to get full 'health check', says Minister

A full "health check" begins today on the entire facility at the National Aquatic Centre, which was handed back to Campus and Stadium Ireland Development (CSID) at midnight last night. Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue said yesterday that "CSID is confident the facility is in good condition, but it will carry out a full health check on the total facility, starting tomorrow, with a view to dispelling any concerns once and for all".

The Minister was "delighted" that the centre was being handed back following the controversy about its stewardship that led to the Four Courts and the Supreme Court's decision last month that Dublin Waterworld should hand back the €62 million centre to the State.

It will now be managed by the State through a subsidiary of CSID, called CSID (Operations) Ltd, "for the foreseeable future. That is as I wish it to be," the Minister said.

Mr O'Donoghue described the controversy as a "long and sorry saga and it has lessons for everyone involved".

Acknowledging the role of the staff the Minister said that "they have been through a difficult and uncertain time and I assure them that CSID will fully comply with any and all legal obligations towards the staff".

He added that "it is the intention that there should be a seamless transition to the new operating company and that the business of the centre continue".

Séamus Healy (Ind, Tipperary South) who raised the issue in the Dáil, expressed concern about allegations that the building "has deteriorated considerably. What works need to be carried out to bring the centre up to a good standard? How much will they cost and who will be responsible for the costs of any work necessary?"

The storm damage in January 2005 which affected the roof and various fittings around the complex had been repaired at a cost of €1 million, with no Exchequer spending involved, the Minister said.

He said there was no evidence of any structural defects or any water leaking into the plant room "despite what was alleged in the media", Mr O'Donoghue added. There was some leakage in the pipes but it was not structural damage but an operational and maintenance issue. Tests carried out confirmed there were no leaks from the swimming pools. He said there was a snag list and €320,000 had been retained and would not be paid until the list was completed. This had been interrupted by the dispute about the lease.

"The resolution of all matters is frequently a long, drawn out process in projects of this magnitude. However, the work will now resume. It is hoped the remaining issues will be resolved without delay."

While there were lessons for everyone involved, the Minister insisted that "this project came in on time and within budget. It has had its difficulties, but the National Aquatic Centre, which hosted the Special Olympics and the European short course championships has been praised as one of the finest facilities of its kind throughout the world."