Construction of long-awaited water activity centre completed with formal opening in September
Construction on a long-awaited water activity centre on North Wall Quay in the Dublin Docklands has been completed by Dublin City Council (DCC), with a formal opening scheduled for September.
The authority said the “Quayside Project”, as it is known, is a flagship initiative for the city, with a state-of-the-art Council Water Sports Centre and a new Docklands office as part of the development.
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In the coming weeks, the new facilities will undergo final commissioning and fit-out works, and are expected to open to the public shortly afterwards.
Water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding will be offered by the centre.
It will be operated under a three-year pilot by Swan Leisure, a company owned by DCC who also runs Rathmines Swimming Pool.
This not-for-profit arrangement aims to “boost participation” in water sports like kayaking, rowing, and stand-up paddleboarding, while promoting community engagement and increasing accessibility for Dubliners.
Dublin City Council will retain ownership of the facility, with Swan Leisure managing day-to-day operations, staffing, and programming.
On top of the two main structures completed, the Quayside Project includes extended pontoons for improved access along the waterfront, two timber-framed structures supporting the Jeanie Johnston visitor attraction and the water sports centre, and an enhanced public realm with an extended boardwalk.
DCC said the changes would “transform the Docklands into a dynamic hub of activity,” and encourage greater public engagement with the River Liffey.
It added that the project represented a “major achievement” in urban development, and paid tribute to councillors who committed to the scheme.
"Their unwavering support has been instrumental in bringing this transformative project to life,” it said.
On the nearby George’s Dock site, where a controversial white-water rafting facility was earmarked but then retracted, Green Party councillor Janet Horner previously said the council was exploring a different direction for the site.
“The main thing at the moment is that the dock needs conservation works, whatever goes in there will require that first,” she said at the time.
Dublin City Council is now looking at international models for open-air swimming facilities, such as lidos in cities like Helsinki for George’s Dock.
The current development plan sets out that any redevelopment at George’s Dock must include a water-based activity, with a Lido the preferred option.