Development of the UCD Sports Precinct approaches major milestone
Forming part of a major capital investment programme, the creation of the UCD Sports Precinct as a truly national resource encourages participation in sports while contributing to the development of social and community engagement. With many athletes competing in a range of regional, national and international competitions the precinct nurtures, supports and celebrates all levels of sport through the provision of world-class facilities and support services.
At an individual level, sport and recreational exercise are key contibutors to both physical and mental health. It has long been recogised that participation in sports gives improved access to mentorship, guidance and wider support networks. Increasing physical activity is not only a medical recommendation but is also a global public health policy objective. Emphasis is required at a national level on the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, participation in sport and physical exercise, structured volunteering and community engagement activities.
At a national level, sport has a unique ability to generate an immense pride in being Irish. Great athletes such as Katie Taylor and Brian O’Driscoll, and many more, have each played a major part in raising the profile of Ireland while building morale and excitement at a time when the wider economic context has been extremely challenging. Sustainable success in Irish sport will depend on the ability to produce elite athletes and to provide them with world class coaching and physical facilities, while having easy access to the latest performance science, technologies and sports medicine.
The completion of the new Student Learning, Leisure and Sports Centre in 2012 will mark a major milestone in the establishment of the UCD Sports Precinct, with the introduction of a new dimension in leisure, relaxation and performance within a campus setting. Incorporating a 50m swimming pool and fitness centre, the facilities will be used by a number of sporting clubs, including canoeing, rowing and sub-aqua, while generating the infrastructure to develop swimming to elite status at UCD. In addition to the above new sports facilities, the new building will also encourage social and cultural engagement through the provision of state-of-the-art accommodation for debating, drama, dance, music, society rooms, presentations, cinema, media, meetings, retail and a significantly developed student health service.
These new facilities will fully leverage existing resources and will act as a key part of a comprehensive sporting infrastructure. These facilities will encourage greater participation and contribute to community life by expanding capacity and promoting increased use of the UCD Sports Precinct.
New 50m swimming pool in construction
Cladding and Building Facade works progressing
