Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 83: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the National Aquatic Centre will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15065/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 85: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in respect of repair of storm damage or other restoration or improvement works at the National Aquatic Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15044/05]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 97: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the latest information available to his Department regarding the likely re-opening date for the National Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown; if he will consider initiating an inquiry to establish the reason the centre was so seriously damaged so soon after its opening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14998/05]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 105: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the reopening of the National Aquatic Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14962/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 85, 97 and 105 together.

Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited has advised me that based on confirmation which its structural engineers have received from the contractors, Rohcon Limited, that the repairs to the national aquatic centre are expected to be completed by 20 May 2005, save for the neon lighting, where there is a seven-week delivery period for replacement equipment. This is the circular strip of lighting that surrounds the roof of the leisure waters. Rohcon has confirmed that this is to be installed on top of the flume tower from 23 May to 10 June 2005. CSID has asked Rohcon to use all necessary resources to ensure that these dates are met, if not improved upon. On completion of the repair works, it will be a matter for Dublin Waterworld, as the operator of the national aquatic centre, to arrange the reopening of the centre.

An independent report on the damage to the aquatic centre was provided by Kavanagh Mansfield & Partners, Consulting Structural and Civil Engineers, who were engaged by the Office of Public Works at the request of my Department and in consultation with CSID. I do not see the necessity for a further inquiry. I look forward to the completion of these works and the reopening of the centre as soon as possible.