The rains have been Biblical in Ireland for several weeks now but that hasn't stopped the contractors moving onto the site for the new Dublin velodrome and starting works on the long-awaited project.
Large hoardings were erected around the site - next to the National Indoor Arena on the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown - last week and the first machinery and construction materials have now also arrived.
The contract has been awarded to Walls and, while their workers have only just moved onto the site, they now have a well established presence there and are working away.
Sport Ireland and the Government said last year the centre would be open by the third quarter of 2027 - in statements still on the Sport Ireland website. However, that was quickly followed by a longer timeline - of mid 2028 - being set out in follow-up remarks.
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That later time frame is the accurate one and was always the expected opening date from the time the contract was awarded, according to sources familiar with the project.
The facility will comprise of a 250-metre cycling track and up to 12 badminton courts in the in-track area, in addition to spectator seating and ancillary facilities.
