Firm disputes claims of leaks at aquatic centre

Construction firm Rohcon has disputed claims of widespread leaking and possible subsidence at the National Aquatic Centre after…

Construction firm Rohcon has disputed claims of widespread leaking and possible subsidence at the National Aquatic Centre after a preliminary examination of the building in west Dublin, it has emerged.

Rohcon started the technical examination after legal discussions over access to the building between its owner, Campus & Stadium Ireland Development Ltd (CSID), and Dublin Waterworld, the company that runs the centre. Dublin Waterworld had twice refused to allow Rohcon into the building.

While the company conceded access to the building yesterday morning, it did not want Rohcon to return last night for an examination when the centre was closed. The company relented only after CSID's solicitors threatened to immediately bring the matter before Mr Justice Peter Kelly, who is hearing its action against Dublin Waterworld.

CSID's case against Dublin Waterworld over its failure to pay rent and insurance is due before the court next Monday.

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An arbitrator is hearing CSID's action against the company for an alleged failure to maintain the centre. Dublin Waterworld is also taking legal advice on a separate arbitration finding against it which found that the company has a €10.25 million VAT liability with CSID.

Rohcon was accompanied during the examination yesterday morning by engineering firm Kavanagh Mansfield, which is acting for CSID.

Despite repeated claims that the pools in the centre were leaking "like a sieve", it is understood that in the examination yesterday the only leaks detected were in piping in the centre. Such piping is the responsibility of Dublin Waterworld.

This examination also contradicted a report for Dublin Waterworld by engineering firm Malachy Walsh & Partners which found evidence of leaks from cracks in the pools.

While cracks were found yesterday, these were said to be dry. Such cracks were also described as a normal offshoot from the construction process. The examination also found no evidence that the building was at risk from subsidence.

Rohcon's spokesman declined to comment on the examination, stating only that a full statement would be issued when the examination was complete.

CSID chief executive Donagh Morgan also declined to comment on the findings.

"They're in the process of conducting investigations into the alleged defects that have been published in the media and CSID look forward to the completion of those investigations," he said.

Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue said yesterday that the centre was not "a shambles" and added that he supported CSID's legal action. "The impression has been created that there is some kind of a shambles of a building up in Dublin falling down and leaking 5,000 gallons of water every now and then. This is to my knowledge untrue."