Dublin City Council Propose New €18 Million Water Activity Centre For The Docklands

After scrapping a controversial white water rafting complex in Dublin’s George’s Dock in 2021, Dublin City Council have announced new proposals for a ‘water activity centre’ along Custom House Quay at an estimated cost of €18 million.

The Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) office along the river Liffey is currently disused and would be completely demolished under the plans and replaced by the new activity centre and an office building for the council’s docklands department.

Included in the new centre would be changing rooms, a reception and ticket office, a staff amenity area, and equipment storage space. It is expected that €7 million of the total cost would be provided by the National Transport Authority.

According to Dublin City Council, the new facility will provide “an expanded programme of water-based activities based on the river Liffey, working in close co-operation with the Municipal Rowing Centre at Islandbridge.”

It added that it will facilitate “a range of programmes targeted at different groups”, with “charges consistent in other City Council sports facilities.”

While similar to the white water rafting facility proposed a number of years ago, the plan makes no reference to the nearby, dilapidated George’s Dock which was the proposed site of the ambitious plan that was eventually axed in 2021.

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The white water rafting complex was to include a water polo and kayaking pool, and a Dublin Fire Brigade water-rescue training facility, but it received a lot of opposition when proposed, including from local councillors.

Concerns are now being raised that these councillors are being “bypassed” by DCC to avoid a similar fate to the new proposals. This comes after Derek Kelly, the council’s executive manager, admitted it was “unlikely” local councillors would decide on the new plan.

The former Lord Mayor and current independent councillor, Nial Ring, said the approach was “tantamount to blackmail,” and was joined by several others in his criticism.

However, Derek Kelly has argued if councillors were allowed to make the final decision it “could result in a loss of confidence in the market in relation to council projects in the docklands given that we previously abandoned a tender process for the white-water rafting project.”

Despite the opposition, a vote was taken at Monday’s council meeting and efforts to delay the Executive's report were roundly rejected by 44 votes to 11 meaning Dublin City Council will continue to press on with its plans for the new facility.