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Dublin's first public water sports centre opens its doors

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 10:33 GMT by RTE Online
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Dublin Launches Ambitious Plan for New Watersports Centre

By [Your Name] – September 23, 2025

In a bold move to position Ireland as a leading destination for water‑based recreation, the Irish government today unveiled plans for a state‑of‑the‑art watersports centre on Dublin’s waterfront. The proposal, announced by Minister for Sport and the Olympic Committee, Seán Óg Ó hEadhra, promises a multi‑sport complex that will host kayaking, canoeing, stand‑up paddleboarding, sailing, and even a state‑of‑the‑art aquatic therapy suite. With an estimated cost of €30 million, the project is slated for a 2027 opening and will be built on the historic docklands site adjacent to the Dublin Port House.

Why a Watersports Centre?

“Water sports are an integral part of Irish culture, yet the capital has long lacked a dedicated facility to nurture talent and promote community engagement,” said Ó hEadhra in a press conference at the Dublin City Hall. “The new centre will provide world‑class training infrastructure for our national teams, while also inviting the public to experience the joy of being on the water.”

The Minister cited a 2024 survey by the National Sports Development Agency, which found that 18 % of Dublin residents would benefit from greater access to organised watersports programmes. “Our goal is to boost participation rates by at least 25 % in the next five years,” Ó hEadhra added.

Site and Design

The chosen location – a 12‑acre parcel at the confluence of the Liffey and the Irish Sea – was selected after a three‑year public consultation process. The site currently hosts a mixture of maritime warehouses and a small residential community. A full environmental impact assessment was released last month, detailing measures to minimise coastal erosion, preserve local marine biodiversity, and ensure compliance with the European Union’s Water Framework Directive.

The proposed design, by Dublin‑based architectural firm O’Malley & Partners, features a central amphitheatre‑style building with glass façades overlooking the Liffey, a 25‑metre pool for therapeutic use, and a series of adjustable‑depth launch platforms for different water sports. The complex will also include a café, a retail hub for water sports gear, and a community hub that will offer free coaching sessions for schools.

The architectural firm’s senior partner, Aoife O’Reilly, said the design would “harmonise with the historic character of the docklands while pushing forward the sustainability agenda.” The building will be powered by a 5‑kW solar array and a rain‑water harvesting system, aimed at achieving a 30 % reduction in energy consumption relative to the Irish building code.

Funding and Partnerships

The project is being financed through a partnership between the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and the Olympic Committee (TCA), Dublin City Council, and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The ERDF grant, valued at €10 million, was announced during a joint session with the European Commission’s delegation in Dublin.

“I am delighted that the European Union is investing in the future of Irish sport,” said ERDF Director, Maria Sánchez. “This project will not only elevate Dublin’s sporting profile but also stimulate economic growth in the waterfront area.”

Local business groups and the Irish Watersports Association (IWA) have expressed enthusiastic support. The IWA’s president, Conor McLeod, noted that “the centre will provide our athletes with top‑notch facilities, while offering a platform for community outreach and talent identification.”

Community Response

While the project has largely received a positive response, some residents from the adjacent Seaview neighbourhood voiced concerns about increased traffic and potential noise pollution. In response, the project team has pledged to implement a comprehensive traffic management plan, including dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian bridges that link the centre directly to the Liffey Green walkway.

A community forum held on September 12 attracted over 150 residents, who were given an opportunity to ask questions and propose adjustments. According to the Dublin City Council’s meeting minutes, the council will establish a “Resident Liaison Committee” to ensure ongoing dialogue throughout construction.

Construction Timeline

Groundbreaking is scheduled for early 2026, with an estimated construction period of 18 months. “Our project manager, Fiona Gallagher, has already identified a preferred contractor with extensive experience in waterfront developments,” said the Minister. “We are on track to open the doors to the public by mid‑2027.”

The council has earmarked 24 hectares of adjacent brownfield land for an ancillary development, including a mixed‑use residential block that will provide housing for up to 200 units. The residential component will be designed with an integrated “green corridor” that connects directly to the watersports centre’s pathways.

Looking Ahead

The proposed Dublin Watersports Centre aligns with the national government’s broader strategy to position Ireland as a “sustainable sporting hub” in the Atlantic. The Minister emphasised that the centre would serve as a training base for the Irish Olympic Committee’s canoeing and kayaking squads, who are targeting a podium finish at the Paris 2024 Games and subsequent London 2028 Olympics.

“In the spirit of fostering inclusivity and innovation, we will be opening the centre’s resources to schools, community groups, and commercial enterprises,” Ó hEadhra concluded. “It will be a beacon of activity, health, and environmental stewardship.”

Additional Resources

Readers interested in more detailed information can consult the following links that were embedded within the original RTÉ article:

• Full Environmental Impact Assessment (PDF) – [link] – Provides in‑depth analysis of the site’s ecological footprint and mitigation strategies.
• Minister for Sport’s Press Release (Video) – [link] – A 5‑minute video featuring the Minister’s remarks and a virtual tour of the proposed site.
• Community Forum Minutes (PDF) – [link] – A comprehensive record of resident concerns and project responses.
• Irish Watersports Association – National Talent Identification Programme – [link] – Overview of current athlete recruitment and training pathways.

With the combination of government support, community engagement, and international investment, the Dublin Watersports Centre is poised to become a flagship destination for both elite athletes and everyday citizens. As the project moves from planning to construction, all eyes will be on the Liffey’s shimmering waters, where the next generation of Irish sports stars will rise.