Hard-hat day in Abbotstown, and the media are led round the rain-sodden building site that will soon blossom into the National Aquatic Centre.The managers of Dublin Waterworld, the company with the task of profitably running the swimming facility, expect the first rides on the "Master Blaster" and "The Family Flume Ride" to take place in just over three months.
"In July 2000 this project was conceived; in July 2003 it will be delivered," said Waterworld's director, Mr John Moriarty, referring to the first major event to be staged there, next summer's Special Olympics.
Determined to bring Ireland's premier recreational and elite swimming venue in on time and on cost, he sees the National Aquatic Centre, near Blanchardstown, as a monument to what can be. The centre is expected to transform competitive swimming in Ireland for Olympic-standard athletes, and also to attract the world's top swimmers.
Following the Special Olympics, the facility will host the European Short Course (25-metre event) Championships in December 2003. For that competition, some 500 swimmers from 40 countries, together with 200 coaches, will descend on Dublin.
Waterworld officials emphasise the state-of-the-art facility, which houses an Olympic-size competition pool and international diving facilities. The large leisure pools - and a children's pool complete with a pirates' sunken ship and an array of rides - are expected to be the main attraction, particularly for families.
"The uniqueness of this facility is the flexibility it brings with the moveable floors," said former international swimmer and director of Waterworld, Mr Liam Bohan.
The centre will also provide up to 1,300 hours of free pool-time each year for the training of elite swimmers and for national and international competitions.
