National Aquatic Centre
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The National Aquatic Centre (NAC) is located in Abbotstown, Blanchardstown, Ireland. The NAC is the home of Irish swimming, with modern facilities such as its 50m competition pool (one of only three in Ireland), diving pool with movable floor, and leisure centre — it is Europe's largest indoor water leisure facility. The center was completed and opened in March 2003 and hosted the Special Olympics in August 2003 and the European SC Championships in December 2003.
In January 2005, the centre sustained roof damage during a period of stormy weather and it had to be closed for five months in order to receive repairs. This closure after only 18 months since opening destroyed the operators, Dublin Waterworld's, business. Campus & Stadium Ireland Development commissioned an engineer to assess the roof damage and they stated that the roof was not designed and constructed in accordance with the building regulations. During the closure period CSID commenced legal proceedings to remove the operators. The centre re-opened to the public on 20 May, 2005.
The centre is now home to many swimming competitions including the Irish Long Course Championships and Leinster Age Groups. Many clubs around the Dublin area use the competition pool to train in, although training hours in the pool are limited.
The diving pool is also used for water-polo matches and tournaments.
It can also be difficult to get training hours in the diving pool due to competing commercial demands.
The National Aquatic Centre has been embroiled in controversy almost from the beginning. After a lengthy legal process, the Government (through its agency CSID) won a High Court case to repossess the centre due to failure of Dublin Waterworld to pay any rent. CSID also alleged that the NAC was not being properly maintained. This was held by the commercial court not to be the case.
The result of this case is being appealed by the Dublin Waterworld and the Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for 14 November 2006.
