The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has opened the the Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown this morning.
At the opening, Mr Ahern, said current levels of investment in sport - €160 million in 2003 - would be maintained as it was a long term investment in "the health and well-being of the nation" - despite cut-backs in other Government departments.
Apart from a 50-metre pool with seating for 2,500 spectators, the centre has a 1,000-square metre leisure pool, a 500-square metre gym, and 1,350 square metres of catering facilities.
International interest in the Centre as a competition venue has also been underlined with the confirmation that the European Short-Course Championships are scheduled to take place in the main pool in December.
The pool will also host the aquatic competitions in this years Special Olympics.
The centre, originally intended as the first phase of Sports Campus Ireland on a 500-acre site in west Dublin, is to be run by Dublin Waterworld Ltd, whose principals operate the Aquadome in Tralee, Co Kerry.
Running costs are likely to be almost €5 million per annum, Mr Kieran Ruttledge, the company's managing director, told The Irish Timesrecently. Sixty-five full-time staff - 40 casual staff and some 25 catering staff - are to be employed in the centre. which aims to attract one million visitors a year.
When the project was first mooted two years ago, PriceWaterhouseCoopers anticipated a private-sector contribution ranging between €18 million and €29 million. In the event, the entire capital cost was funded by the Exchequer.
Admission prices will be €7 for adult and €5 for children.