New Building
Celbridge Paddlers Canoe Club, located on the scenic Grand Canal between Celbridge and Newcastle, has been an integral part of the communities of West Dublin and North Kildare for nearly 40 years. Despite limited resources and facilities, the club has produced many of Ireland‘s top canoeists and continues to dedicate itself to bringing the great sport of canoeing to everyone regardless of age, gender or ability.
The club got planning permission for a new clubhouse in 2014 and in 2019 we were very fortunate to be awarded a substantial grant under the 2018 Sports Capital Programme (funded by the National Lottery and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media). Unfortunately due to the Covid 19 pandemic the development was delayed. Those delays along with the impact of Brexit gave us the challenge of completing the job within deadline and within budget in the midst of a busy and costly time for the construction sector. We're nearly there! The following is a brief history of our journey so far -
1994 the club moves on to the current site with kind permission from the land owner University College Dublin
2003 gym is constructed between the existing containers and kitted out with gym equipment and paddling machines. This was the clubhouse configuration until the current construction started.
October 2014 the club is granted planning permission by South Dublin County Council for a new clubhouse incorporating boat storage, changing rooms, toilets and gym
September 2018 the club is given a lease on the site by University College Dublin. This enables us to apply for a National Lottery grant through the 2018 Sports Capital Programme of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
November 2019 we get the good news! We were awarded a substantial grant from the National Lottery! Planning the construction project commences
March 2020 the Covid pandemic strikes! - all construction is postponed. Construction costs subsequently sky-rocket!
June 2021 the old clubhouse is dismantled and the containers moved to one side. They will remain in use until the new clubhouse becomes operational.
July 2021 builders move on site and the foundations are dug!
November 2021 the steel frame and the walls are almost completed!
February 2022 - external walls are complete
April 2022 club undertakes major fundraising campaign including the K4 Challenge sponsored paddle event. This event gets huge support from our members, their families and friends, other canoe clubs and the wider community. Over €30k is raised!
May 2022 - installation of steel panels on roof commences
July 2022 - shutter doors to boat store installed. All external windows and doors installed.
November 2022 - work starts on the external wall cladding
May 2023 - external cladding complete and roof insulating slabs installed. At last! A sealed building! Shell and Core completed!
We are now ready to embark on the final phase of the project - fitting out the building with changing rooms, toilets and gym. We are blessed to have been awarded a further Lottery grant under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme 2020 to cover the plumbing, heating and electrics. This will go a long way to achieving our goal of having a fully functioning, state-of-the-art kayaking and canoeing facility by the end of 2023.
