Plans for the development of a white water rafting facility in Dublin's docklands have been met with criticism from the public.
Dublin City councillors voted to approve the plans for the state-of-the-art €22 million centre which will be located at the IFSC.
During a presentation at Monday's council meeting, Dublin Fire Brigade gave its support for the centre which will provide them with vital training facilities.
A senior fire officer said a number of people previously took ill on courses while using the Upper Liffey, and that a lack of rainfall has also led to training not going ahead.
Members of the public questioned the need for the facility in the midst of a housing crisis across the country.
One said: "Just in case anyone thinks the white water rafting thing is a cool idea, it’s going to cost at least €22 million to build. It would cost €30 million to put a stop to people sleeping rough on our streets."
While another added: "White water rafting in a city centre? White water rafting in acity with 3,000 children who have no home?"
Among those who voted in favour of the facility is Social Democrats councillor Gary Gannon, who took to social media to explain his reason for supporting the plan.
He said: "It’s a strange one admittedly but I placed aside my reservations when a senior member of the Dublin Fire Brigade outlined how important this facility will be to their work.
"They outlined that they rescue more people from water than they do fires each year. The current facilities they use aren’t suitable and place their members at risk."
While Green Party councillor Hazel Chu said despite the positive for DFB training, the cost was too much to justify.
She said: "Lots of answers provided and it being a training facility for Dublin Fire Brigade for water rescue is a big plus. But alas I voted against it due to cost and how we need better amenities suitable for all ages."
Dublin City Council previously said: "The White Water Rafting Centre (WWRC) will provide facilities for a wide range of people who wish to participate in water sports and leisure activities in a city centre location.
"It will serve members of the public who wish to kayak or canoe or go river rafting and will serve white water course customers, including tourist visitors, club canoeists, elite athletes and emergency services."
