Relocation of Markievicz Pool to Ringsend to cost €48m, says council

The relocation of Markievicz Leisure Centre on Townsend Street is set to cost up to €48 million, according to Dublin City Centre.

The leisure centre and swimming pool is due to be demolished and relocated to accommodate the Metrolink railway.

However, a feasibility conducted by the council found that no alternative sites are available within the city centre and instead the new swimming pool will be built at Irishtown Stadium in Ringsend.

In October 2018, DCC wrote to the National Transport Authority (NTA) to ask if the centre could be saved.

In response, the NTA said the site was needed to connect the Metrolink with the Dart network at Tara Street.

“The study examined potential sites capable of facilitating the expanded facilities and recommended Irishtown Stadium as the ideal location for the development of a modern sports hub facility within the south city,” the council’s senior executive officer Donncha Ó Dúlaing said.

“No other sites in public ownership of an appropriate size and the correct zoning were identified in the southeast area.

“Irishtown Stadium was identified as the only suitable location and provided a significant opportunity for enhanced facilities.”

Some demolition work at the stadium would be required but the athletic club buildings, four of the five all-weather training pitches and the full size all-weather pitch would be retained.

The council says that the new leisure centre will consist of three floors, a 25 metre pool, a play pool, gym, squash courts, café, roof-top all-weather pitches for football, tennis and basketball.

Other sports such as skateboarding, bouldering, and parkour may be accommodated.

Ó Dúlaing said that the cost of the project could cost between €40 million and €48 million.

“The majority or a very significant contribution to costs would come from Transport Infrastructure Ireland,” he said.

The local authority is to begin work on the facility this year with planning expected to be completed in 2024 with an estimated construction completion date of 2026.

However, the council will not have funds to proceed with the development if the Metrolink fails to proceed, Ó Dúlaing said.

Metrolink is currently seeking a railway order, the equivalent of planning permission, after plans were submitted at the end of last year.

The rail project is currently planned to run from Swords in north Dublin to near Ranelagh south of the city.