A SPORTING complex that incurred €4 million in damage in last November’s flooding is due to reopen today.
The Mardyke Arena is Cork’s largest sports and leisure facility and caters for approximately 20,000 users every year.
The arena suffered extensive flooding as the Mardyke area on the western side of the city was worst hit when the river Lee burst its banks on November 19th last.
The Mardyke Arena is home to home to a number of clubs attached to University College Cork as well as having a large public membership.
The flooding caused considerable damage to the all-weather playing surface and to the GAA and hockey pitches. The flood waters that engulfed the arena also resulted in serious damage to the ground floor of the centre.
The water in the swimming pool was contaminated, while the flooring in the three sports halls was destroyed and gym equipment damaged.
A team of contractors has been on site since November and has repaired and refurbished all affected areas.
The arena’s general manager, Patsy Ryan, said staff were pleased that it was restarting.
“We are delighted to be reopening the arena and look forward to welcoming back all of our members and patrons who have been extremely patient and understanding during the closure. I believe that people will be very happy with the restyled and modernised facilities.”
In a statement, the arena’s management says that the reopening of the arena is a “good news story” for Cork.
“Despite the horrific flooding and devastating damage to the centre, many positive things have come out of this event, not least that arena staff have been retained during the closure and the repair works programme has generated significant employment in the local area.”
All services, programmes and facilities will be fully restored from today and many new initiatives and incentives will be available at the arena.
Further details can be found on the arena’s website, www.mardykearena.com