The National Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown, which has been closed since the New Year, will finally re open by 20th May.

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O’Donoghue TD has given me this information following a long series of Dail questions from me over the past 3 months.

He has also confirmed that the cost of the repairs is a matter between the contractor and the insurers so that there should be no cost to the taxpayer arising from the damage done to the roof on New Year’s day.

While I am delighted to hear that at last this vital local and national resource is to re-open after such a long closure, I still want all reports from the enquiries into the roof damage to be made public.

I believe it is important that the taxpayer and residents of Dublin 15 are given the full information. The State paid €70 million for this facility and it was only been open to the public for a mere 18 months before this damage.

I also hope that the 60 or so workers laid off will have their employment renewed and be treated fairly by the management of the Centre.