Irish canoeists are generally very pleased that the whitewater course on the Dublin Docklands as been given the greenlight. Though the idea for the course did not orginate from Canoeing Ireland, it opens up the welcome possibility of slalom canoeists being able to train at home on a good facility.
At present slalom canoeists can train on the very limited course at the sluice weir on the Liffey. Those involved in international competition leave Ireland to train.
The proposed new whitewater facility might host international competition in the future. The lack of space around the course for the ancillary facilities which accompany a big event may be a limiting factor.
The International Canoe Federation has taken an interest. Jean-Michel Prono, the chair of the canoe slalom competition, visited Dublin earlier this year and left open the possiblity of international competition once the course was built.