SPORT IRELAND NATIONAL AQUATIC CENTRE

Sport facility type

• Indoor sports centre

Is the facility part of the sports complex?

Yes

Description

The National Aquatic Centre is one of the worlds largest indoor water centres. It comprises of A 10-lane 50-metre x 25-metre international-standard swimming pool with two moveable floors which will allow it to be reconfigured for other uses. A 25-metre international standard diving poolwarm-up pool. Seating for 2,500 spectators Extensive leisure waters (AquaZone) including adventure water rides, with childrens play pool and wave pool. A fitness centre. Cafe and Reception Area.

Size

• Indoor Space: 15 180 m²
• Outdoor Space: 0 m²

Other relevant information about the sports facility

THIS IS A NATIONAL SPORTS CAMPUS THAT IS THE HOME OF IRISH SPORT IT IS FOR ALL SECTORS OF SOCIETY FROM ELITE OLYMPIC ATHLETES TO KIDS LEARNING TO SWIM. IT IS A 550 ACRE CAMPUS WHICH HAS SIGNIFICANTLY DEVELOPED OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS AND IN THE NEXT 25 WILL GROW EVEN MORE.

Sustainability pillars of the innovation'

• Water

Subcategories

• Water savings: Measures for water saving or rainwater recovery. Measures to improve wastewater quality.

Innovation description

WE CONNECTED THE NAC TO WELLS ON THE CAMPUS IN ORDER TO REDUCE OUR DEMAND FOR WATER FROM THE MAINS MUNICIPLE SYSTEM.

We created a project to tap into the boreholes on the Campus. 2 BH were identified as having sufficient capacity to supply the NAC with over 85 of the water required. A full treatment plant was installed so as to get the water to a sufficient quality that it could be used in the swimming pools, showers, sinks, toilets and wash down stations. The BH were tapped into and piped back to the main plant room. From there a water treatment plant cleans the water and pumps it to the cold water storage tanks. From here the demand for water results in the valves opening and the water being provided.

Innovation Type

Technical innovation

Approximate cost of investment in innovation (in €, excluding VAT)

200000

Aid or subsidy to encourage the implementation of the innovation

No

Years for the return on investment (ROI)

2.5

Pros of the Innovation

Reduces the demand for water from the public system

Saves money on our water bill

We are in Ireland so there will rarely be a shortage of water in the borehole

Cons of the Innovation

There are many complexities to sinking wells and getting the pipework configured

The mineral content of the water from the well can mean additional works are required

Any issues with the pumps can mean significant ground works to fix

Facility Indicators

Other sustainability measures you have introduced

• LED lights

Other relevant information related with innovation

WE ARE NOT ONLY CHARGED FOR WATER CONSUMPTION BUT ALSO FOR WATER DISCHARGE. AS WE ARE NOW RE USING THE WATER FROM THE POOL WE WILL HAVE A REDUCED BILL FOR THE M2 OF DISCHARGE WATER

Interest in a specific need that can be addressed by a company offering an innovative sustainability solution.

FULL LIGHTING UPGRADE OF THE OLYMPIC POOL INCLUDING THE CONTROLS SYSTEM