Councillor calls for scraping of ‘madcap’ white water centre

A Dublin City Councillor is calling that the proposed white water rafting centre to be scrapped, after it was revealed the project will cost more than double its original price.

Fine Gael councillor Danny Byrne said the George’s Dock development is a “madcap proposal.”

“I was originally opposed to this proposal (and voted against it) which has now risen in cost twice,” he said.

“It started out at a projected cost of €12 million. It subsequently rose to in excess of €22 million and the current projected cost is some €25 million.

“In addition the proposal has been turned down for funding on at least two occasions.

“Given that we are, as we are all too aware in the midst of a global pandemic and with Dublin City Council like many organisations, losing time with staff out ill with covid and close contacts, it defies belief that the management of Dublin City Council seem intent on ploughing ahead with this madcap proposal.”

Byrne said he wants DCC management to “scrap” the project and get back to “basic local government.”

Construction on the project took a step forward recently with the county council putting the development up for tender.

It is expected that works will begin in the autumn if a contractor is found.