A new state-of-the-art sports centre at Trinity College Dublin was officially opened by the Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism, Séamus Brennan today.

The €30 million building houses a 25-metre, 6-lane swimming pool, a climbing wall, two sports halls as well as other top class indoor sports facilities.

The Centre was made possible by a very substantial donation from Atlantic Philanthropies, one of many by Atlantic Philanthropies in Trinity as well as significant support from Trinity's own students through an annual student levy for the construction of the building.

Minister Brennan said: "It is wonderful that here, on campus, in the heart of the bustling city, students and staff can fit physical exercise into their busy schedule by taking advantage of the fantastic range of facilities on offer in this stunning new sports facility."

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The Sports Centre, situated at the corner of Pearse Street and Westland Row includes specially designed features such as the 25-metre pool's floating floor, which allows for depth adjustment to cater for deep water activities such as scuba training and water polo. There is also a hydraulic lift to allow for full disabled access to the pool.

Another striking element of the building is the spectacular 19-metre climbing wall, which is visible for almost the entire height of the building from Westland Row.

Other facilities include two large sports halls for all ball sports and martial arts; a fitness theatre; an aerobic and dance studio as well as treatment rooms for physiotherapy and massage and relaxation areas for sauna and steam room.

The Sports Centre is open to students, staff and graduates and in this academic year almost 8,000 students have used the facilities regularly. The local community in the South Inner City is also encouraged to use the facilities and schools in the area use the Sports Hall on a weekly basis.

(VB/JM)