The building of the new pool and the upgrade of the gymnasium came about after a survey, by consulting engineers, to advise on the works necessary to upgrade and modernise the existing swimming pool facilities. After consideration of their report, it was decided that the best option was to build a new swimming pool and link it to the nearby gymnasium. The gymnasium also had to be refurbished in tandem with the building of the new pool. The result, as you see before you, is a modern, state of the art, swimming pool/gymnasium, second to none.

 The pool is fitted with the latest facilities to cater for the different training requirements of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. It includes a diving pool for Sub-aqua training generally and sub aqua training for Air Corps personnel in aircraft emergency escape procedures. In addition to the 25 metre main pool, there is also a confidence builder/learner pool.

 The facilities also include a viewing gallery, a lecture theatre, a coffee/leisure area, modern changing rooms, toilets, shower and steam rooms and locker facilities. Spacious office and storage space for pool administration is also provided. The gymnasium is fully equipped with the latest aerobic and weight training facilities. Overall, the facilities will be a tremendous asset to the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp.

 I would like to extend a sincere and warm welcome to our various guests. In particular I welcome the representatives of the design and construction teams who have brought this major £6.3 million project through from conception to completion.

 I would like to express my gratitude to those involved in the project :-

 (1) Messrs. T J O'Connor and Associates who provided the Architectural, Structural and Quantity Surveying expertise, especially Ms. Helen Casey, who provided the main input;

(2) Messrs. McCarrick Woods who provided the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Services;

(3) The Corps of Engineers for their overall input into the project;

(4) Mr. Michael O'Dea - Resident Engineer; and

(5) Mr. Neil O'Riordan - Site Manager.

 I would like to particularly thank the main contractor Messrs. John Paul Construction Ltd., for the efficient manner in which they undertook the building of this project and brought it to fruition.

 Messrs. John Paul Construction Ltd., have undertaken a number of projects for the Department of Defence over the years and have recently completed the construction of a new Communications Building in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, at a cost of £2.3 million approximately.

 I would also like to thank all those involved in the preparation and organisation of today's event.

 While I, as a local Public Representative do not have direct responsibility for the operation of the Defence Forces, I have a very keen interest in the Defence Forces and I keep in touch with any developments affecting the organisation. In this connection, I fully support the measures taken by the Minister for Defence to modernise and equip the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps.

 The completion of this building project is another important step in the development process. It forms part of the Barrack Re-investment Programme which was designed to provide modern living, operational and training accommodation for troops.

 Since the programme commenced in 1999 to the end of this year, over £40 million will have been spent on the provision of these facilities. Of that amount, approximately £30 million will have been invested in the Curragh Camp. This sum provides for the provision of other facilities in the camp in addition to the Swimming Pool.

 Some examples are:-

 Transport Technical Stores; NCO's Messes; Ordnance and Transport Schools; Accommodation Facilities.

 The old swimming pool was extensively used by local schools and swimming clubs. This facility was of great benefit to the local communities. I am glad to say that in due course it is proposed to extend the use of the facilities to the same groups.

 I am confident that this new pool/gymnasium will be a tremendous asset to the Defence Forces for many years to come and I have great pleasure in officially declaring the pool/gymnasium open.