Awards to Date

At AquaZone and the National Aquatic Centre we have won a number of awards over the years. These awards cover a broad spectrum but all contribute in our retention of Members from individuals to families, and mean we always adhere to the highest of standards.

These awards ensure that our public users are also guaranteed that we are committed to the highest levels of hygiene, customer service and ensuring everyone has a fun time when they visit AquaZone. Here are some details of our most recent successes:

2009 & 2008 - Level 3 EIQA Hygiene & Quality Award
The EIQA (Excellence Ireland Quality Association) Hygiene Mark was launched in 1978 and provides a framework for ensuring that organisations are complying with requirements on a consistent basis whilst also providing guidance on continuous improvement. The Hygiene Mark embraces the latest and emerging standards, codes and legal requirements in hygiene and food safety, both in Ireland and internationally.

2009, 2008 & 2007 - ILAM White Flag Award (Spa & Leisure)
The award, developed by ILAM - Leading Leisure in Ireland (sports, fitness, aquatic facilities, spas & wellness) is the only comprehensive Quality Award for Leisure Facilities in Ireland. The White Flag recognises standards of excellence in health and leisure facilities and is aimed at sports halls, fitness studios, health suites, spas, gyms, swimming pools. We were also shortlisted for the following awards:

We were also given the following awards  by ILAM in 2009:

Disability Access Award -
The Disability Access Award was presented in recognition of the major programme undertaken by the National Aquatic Centre in recent years, with Government support, to ensure the Centre is fully accessible for people with disabilities. Included in that programme has been the upgrading of all gym equipment for use by people with disabilities.

Training Ethos Award -
The Training Ethos Award was given in recognition of the Centre's extensive in-house training programme for staff. Specifically noteworthy were the programmes in relation to Child Protection and Life Saving. The award also noted the Centre's Energy Map Awareness programme which has been developed in association with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and which is now being replicated throughout the industry.

2009 - D15 Chamber of Commerce Award
The D15 Chamber of Commerce presented the award of 'Best Sales & Marketing Team' to the National Aquatic Centre for the successful promotion of its Autumn Swimming & Diving Academy. This award further confirms the successful efforts which has helped to establish the National Aquatic Centre as the fourth most popular recreational venue in Ireland with 708,000 fee-paying vistors in 2008.

2008 & 2007 - Parents Choice Awards Nominee
The Parents’ Choice Awards were launched in 2006 by Ashville Media Group, award-winning contract publishers behind many of Ireland’s most innovative and successful print solutions. The inaugural Parents’ Choice Awards coincided with the launch of INFANT Magazine in summer 2006. INFANT is a monthly consumer title, aimed at parents of children from birth to 6 years.The Parents’ Choice Awards were designed to give parents their say on what their choice of product is. With a choice of over 30 categories, some regionalised, we covered the full range of Child related products from food to equipment, family days out to maternity wear. The gala event took place in Jury’s Hotel and was attended by a crowd of over 300 people.

2007 - Swim Ireland Recognition Award
This award was received due to the recognition of the contribution made by the National Aquatic Centre in facilitating Swim Ireland's 'Women In Sport' programmes.

2006 - Parents Choice Awards Winner
On this occassion the National Aquatic Centre succeeded in winning an award in the following category: Best Family Fun Day Out. This was the first year that the awards were held.

2010 - O2 Ability Award Nominee & 2005 - O2 Ability Award Winner
The O2 Ability Awards are the first Irish business awards for best practice in the employment and inclusion of people with disabilities. The O2 Ability Awards were created and designed by The Aisling Foundation, in association with strategic partners Access Ability, who manage the assessment process.

Examining all aspects of employment, the Awards recognise progressive attitudes, in those organisations that see disability and diversity as a corporate asset and key to success. The Awards celebrate organisations and their business leaders that are successfully working with people with disabilities, rewarding professional excellence in this particular area of people-management.


2004 - UCD Recognition Award
The UCD centre for sports studies acknowledged the invaluable assistance of the National Aquatic Centre who acted as a Host Organisation for the BSc ( Sports Management ) Placement Programme by presenting them with a recognition award received in September.

2003 - Special Olympics Appreciation Award
This award was presented to the National Aquatic Centre by Special Olympics Ireland in appreciation of its support for 'Team Ireland' at the World Games 2003.