No new swimming pool for west Fingal while four pools see funding

Four swimming pools in Fingal have been allocated funding by Sport Ireland following a stimulus package announced last year.

However, Fingal County Council has revealed that there are no plans to develop a swimming pool in the western part of the county.

Dublin Fingal TD and Fine Gael Spokesperson on Climate Action, Alan Farrell said the funding for the pools is welcome.

“Swimming is a hugely popular sport and hobby in our community and much of this is centred around swimming pools and leisure centres.

“As with so many other aspects of our hobbies and passions, swimming pools have had to severely curtail their activity since the onset of the pandemic,” he said.

“As part of the July Stimulus, announced last year, €2.5m in funding was provided to assist swimming pool operators navigate their way through the pandemic.

“I am pleased that several swimming pools in Fingal have received funding in the course of two funding rounds which took place in December 2020 and February 2021.”

Roganstown Golf and Country Club has been allocated €1,741, ALSAA Sports and Leisure Centre beside Dublin Airport has been allocated €13,312, the Arena Leisure Centre in Malahide has been allocated €2,089, and Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Club has been allocated €12,330.

Deputy Farrell continued said: “In December of 2020, the funding allocations benefitted over 200 swimming pool operators in Ireland.

“For many people, these centres are a really positive way of meeting new people and staying healthy, forming an integral part of local communities and serving all age groups.”

However, at a recent Fingal County Council meeting the local authority said there are no plans to develop a new swimming pool in the west of the county and there it is not a demand for the facility.

Fianna Fail councillor Howard Mahony asked that “the Chief Executive build a municipal swimming pool in the west of the county as it is the only area in the county that is land locked as the existing pool facilities are in private ownership and the cost is prohibitive for most families in Dublin 15.”

In response, the council said “there are no plans currently to provide a swimming pool in the Dublin 15 area.

“The National Aquatic Centre is available for public use to residents in this area.”