Dún Laoghaire Watersports Campus Surveys Enter Public Consultation

30th October 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Aerial view from the west of Dún Laoghaire Harbour, showing the Coal Harbour, West Pier and marina

Campus Consultation – An aerial view from the west overlooking Dún Laoghaire Harbour, including the Coal Harbour and West Pier, where proposed marine investigations for the National Watersports Campus are entering public consultation. Credit: Michael Chester

Plans for marine site investigations associated with the proposed National Watersports Campus at Dún Laoghaire Harbour have entered a statutory public consultation stage, according to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA).

The regulator lists Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council's maritime usage licence application, reference MUL250023, as “Consultation Open”. The application concerns environmental and ground investigations intended to establish the feasibility of proposed campus facilities. It is not an approval to undertake the surveys or construct the campus.

Revised Environmental Assessment

The council lodged the licence application on 13 March 2026. MARA subsequently requested further environmental information, including a revised Natura Impact Statement, submitted on 15 October 2026. The regulator's application record now includes a public consultation notice and a formal notice to the applicant.

The environmental assessment process considers potential effects on protected habitats and species, including marine mammals. The requirement for further assessment should not be confused with a determination that the proposed investigations will cause environmental damage.

Harbour Investigations Ahead of Campus Plans

The proposed investigations are intended to inform the design and assessment of components of the National Watersports Campus, which aims to develop watersports access and facilities around Dún Laoghaire Harbour.

The latest regulatory stage follows Afloat's report on the council's procurement of dredging and campus surveys earlier this month. That tender process and the present marine licensing application are separate steps; neither should be interpreted as authorisation for construction.

MARA has not recorded a final licence determination. Readers wishing to inspect the application documents and consultation notices can consult MARA's official application register under reference MUL250023. Anyone considering a submission should check the official notice for the applicable deadline and submission requirements.

Published in Dun Laoghaire Watersports Campus, Dun Laoghaire Harbour News, Marine Planning

Published in Dun Laoghaire Watersports Campus

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National Watersports Campus, Dun Laoghaire

Dun Laoghaire Harbour Stakeholders combined forces in 2019 to promote a project to improve the Harbour’s infrastructure resulting in improved access, job creation and greater tourism potential.

A grant application to government made by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCoCo) assisted by stakeholders was successful with the announcement of a €400k feasibility study grant from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) in January 2020.

It meant plans for the €8m National Watersports Campus at Dun Laoghaire Harbour got the green light from Government and came a step closer to reality.

The project recognises deficits in the current set up in the harbour, proposing the construction of an all-tide publicly-accessible slipway (none currently in the Greater Dublin Area) as well as a marine services facility, providing a much-needed home for the supporting industry.

The campus also seeks to provide a marketing framework to make boating more accessible to the general public.

The benefits of such an increase might be obvious for the Dun Laoghaire waterfront but there are other spin-offs for the harbour town in the creation of the sort of jobs that cannot be shipped abroad.

Centre for Community Watersports activity and public slipway

High-Performance coaching centre

Flexible Event Space for hosting national and international events

Multipurpose Building

Campus Marketing and Promotional Centre

Accommodation for Irish Sailing and Irish Underwater Council

Shared NGB Facility

Education Centre for schools, community groups and clubs

Proposed site – Carlisle Pier

Watersports Campus FAQs

What is the National Watersports Campus Project?

Similar to the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown, the watersports campus will provide quality, public, recreational and high-performance facilities for the many watersports participants. The Campus will considerably enhance the services currently provided by more than 30 clubs and activity centres to over 50,000 annual users of the harbour.

Why has the Watersports Campus project come about now for Dun Laoghaire Harbour?

The passing of control of the harbour to DLRCC, the public appetite for a community benefitting project and the capital funding for sports infrastructure in the Project 2040 National Plan have aligned to create an opportunity to deliver this proposal.

What organisations are promoting the Watersports Campus project?

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) and the Irish Sailing Association (Irish Sailing) are the project leads, endorsed by the National Governing Bodies of other Irish watersports and clubs and activity providers.

What is LSSIF?

The National Sports Policy, published in 2018, established the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) to provide Exchequer support for sports facility projects. In some cases, these may be projects where the primary objective will be to increase active participation in sport. In other cases, these may be venues where the focus is more related to high-performance sport.

What funds have been allocated to the LSSIF?

Government has allocated at least €100m over the term to 2027 to successful applicant projects.

Is the National Watersports Campus a beneficiary of the LSSIF?

The Watersports Campus was one of seven successful applicants for Stream 1 funding allowing planning to commence on the project design and feasibility. €442,000 has been granted in this phase.

What are the key elements of the Watersports Campus project?

NThe project will provide for a municipally-owned public access facility to include a small craft slipway that is accessible at all stages of the tide (currently none in public ownership in the greater Dublin area), storage and lock-up resources, watersports event management space, a high-performance centre and NGB accommodation.

What other benefits are envisaged with the Watersports Campus?

The project aims to enhance the profile of Dun Laoghaire as a major international venue for maritime events, shows and conferences. Establish Dun Laoghaire as the 'go-to place' for anything marine – generating revenues Create employment in the county - attract businesses, visitors and events. Grow the market for watersports Promote the services of activity providers to the public. Complement the plan to develop Dun Laoghaire as a 'destination.'

What are the next steps in the Campus project?

As of January 1 2021, The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has approved the applicant project and DLRCC are expected to appoint a team to further advance the project.

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Dún Laoghaire Watersports Campus Surveys Enter Public Consultation

Revised Environmental Assessment