Fingal chosen as inaugural host of Ireland’s first ever pop-up swimming pool

Fingal has been been chosen as the first host of Ireland’s first ever pop-up swimming pool.

The initiative, which is being led by Swim Ireland, will see the pool be moved to a new location around Ireland every 12-weeks, with a target of providing 750 swimming experiences per week.

Standing poolside with Irish Olympians Shane Ryan and Ellen Walshe, Deputy Mayor of Fingal councillor Daniel Whooley said that “this is an innovative approach towards getting people of all ages to swim and to build up their confidence in the water, particularly as we approach the summer.

“Fingal is committed to developing sporting facilities for both the young, and the young at heart, throughout the County, and I am delighted we are able to host this first of its kind pop-up pool in Ireland.”

Holding 45,000 litres of water, the 12m by 3.4m structure will remain in Donabate until mid-July before setting off to its next destination.

The pool itself is sheltered from the elements in a hard sided marquee, and there is a ramp and a hoist meaning the pool can cater for all types of swimmers.

“It makes it the ideal place to learn to swim, hone skills or just remember how great it feels to block out the world and dip your head in the water,” Fingal County Council said.

Welcoming the initiative, Robert Burns, Director of Housing and Community Development at Fingal County Council, said: “It’s so important for people of all ages and abilities to have the skills and confidence to be safe in the water.

“Having this fantastic addition in Fingal over the next few months provides somewhere that not only allows people to take part in enjoyable pastime but can also teach participants about how to be safe in the water.

“We look forward to working more closely with Swim Ireland to make swimming more accessible locally and help ensure we can properly educate people on safe practices in and around water.”