Watersports Centre plan gets backing of local councillors

DÚN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has committed to building a National Watersports Centre at the harbour within the next seven years.

 Councillors recently agreed to include the initiative in the DLRCC Development Plan 2016-2022 by adding a new Specific Local Objective (SLO) for the harbour.

The amendment, which was drafted and proposed by Fine Gael councillor Josepha Madigan, passed without the need for a vote at the County Development Plan meeting. 

Councillors also passed a motion in favour of not proceeding with a large cruise ship berthing facility at Dún Laoghaire Harbour, which has been the subject of an oral hearing with An Bord Plealála.

According to Cllr Madigan, the council’s endorsement of a National Watersports Centre has cast significant doubt over the viability of the controversial cruise berth plan, which has attracted significant local opposition.

The Dublin Rathdown general election candidate said: “The passing of this motion in favour of building a National Watersports Centre is hugely significant and I believe it is a game changer in keeping the cruise ships out of Dun Laoghaire. The harbour is already established as a unique sporting facility of national and international significance. 

“A watersports centre can be delivered quickly and at a relatively low cost in, for example, the HSS terminal or other suitable area that already exists in the harbour.”

She added: “A watersports centre plays to the existing strengths of Dún Laoghaire Harbour and town whereas the presence of a cruise berth would undermine the sailing and watersports strengths to the detriment of the town. This centre will be a national asset for the country and provide significant benefits to Dún Laoghaire.”

It is anticipated that the National Watersports Centre will be a centre of excellence for sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, waterskiing, wake boarding and windsurfing. 

Cllr Madigan said in a statement that the move has the support of the existing sailing clubs in the harbour, who believe it would prove popular and attract school visits and competitions from Ireland and abroad.