Aquatic Centre to remain closed for months

The National Aquatic Centre in west Dublin may remain closed for another three months due to storm damage, an Oireachtas Committee…

The National Aquatic Centre in west Dublin may remain closed for another three months due to storm damage, an Oireachtas Committee heard today.

A freak mini-tornado blew off a 25-metre section of the roof of the €60 million award-winning building on January 1st.

The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism told the Public Accounts Committee today that it couldn't estimate the total cost of repairs.

Facing questions by Labour leader Mr Pat Rabbitte, department secretary general Philip Furlong said that the damage is being assessed by the OPW with the centre's owners, insurers and builders.

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He estimated that leisure facilities the centre Blanchardstown would be available in two weeks but that

it would take a further three months before the swimming pool is open.

Mr Furlong described the weather conditions on the day of the incident as very severe.

"Whether they were on a scale that should have seen the damage that has occurred is probably a technical issue that is being sorted out at the moment between the parties and will ultimately inform who will be responsible for what percentage of costs," he said.

Mr Furlong also said that proposals for elite athlete facilities at the centre would be brought before the Cabinet by the Minister, Mr O'Donoghue within a fortnight.