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

Question 28: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the full check and assessment of the entire facility at the National Aquatic Centre is complete; the outcome of this assessment; if an upgrade or repair work is required at the centre; the timescale for such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5545/07]

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

Under the National Sports Campus Development Act 2006 and the subsequent establishment of the National Sports Campus Development Authority, effective from 1st January last, operational matters relating to the Sports Campus at Abbotstown are matters for the Authority by virtue of section 7(1) of that Act. The functions of the Authority as set out in the Act include the management, operation and maintenance of the sports campus and, in particular, the furnishing and equipping of the sports campus with such plant, machinery, equipment and apparatus as it considers appropriate.

As I have already indicated to the House, as a result of the decision of the Supreme Court on 14 November 2006, the National Aquatic Centre was returned to the possession of CSID on 1 December 2006. CSID has since been replaced by the National Sports Campus Development Authority. As part of the contingency planning for the repossession of the Centre, CSID had established a subsidiary company, CSID (Operations) Ltd to operate the Centre.

Immediately on repossession, a full health check of the National Aquatic Centre was instituted. This audit will cover all aspects of the facility including maintenance, mechanical and electrical, and water quality issues, and is also dealing with financial systems, human resources, marketing and sales.

In parallel with these elements, a comprehensive maintenance programme has been taking place, dealing with the building management system, cleaning, water treatment, lighting, windows, CCTV, telecoms, flumes and security. All of this work is ongoing at present. When it is completed, the NSCDA will be reporting to me on the outcome.

As I have said in this House on several occasions, there is a major challenge to restore the reputation of what is a fantastic facility and to ensuring that it is used to its fullest extent by both elite swimmers and those who just want to have a fun time at the National Aquatic Centre.