National Aquatic Centre lays off 50 staff

The National Aquatic Centre in Dublin has made 50 of its 60 staff temporarily redundant following the closure of its swimming pools due to storm damage.

Storm force winds on New Year's Day ripped a 25-metre section of roof from the competition pool.

The metal roofing was blown across the complex causing extensive damage inside and outside the building.

Management at the centre had hoped repairs would get underway earlier this month, however, persistent high winds meant it was unsafe for builders to start work. The salaries of the workers were initially paid by the centre, however, the management have now instructed staff to claim unemployment benefit.

"We're in touch with the staff on a weekly basis. For the first couple of weeks or so we paid them, but with no money coming in we've had to tell them to claim off their stamps at this stage."

Repairs are likely to cost over €1 million, according to Mr Liam Bohan, director of Dublin Waterworld Ltd, which runs the centre for the Government. The centre is also losing around €500,000 a month while it remains closed.

"The main damage was to the competition pool, but there was also substantial damage to the leisure pool.

"On its own, the leisure pool is going to cost between €300,000 and €400,000 to repair, we hope to know by the weekend how much the competition pool is going to cost, but it's likely to be a good bit more," Mr Bohan said.

Work on the leisure pool should be completed within the next six weeks, however, the competition pool is unlikely to open for another two months.