A long-running campaign to bring a public swimming pool to Balbriggan moved a major step closer after Fingal County Council granted planning approval for the €11 million development.
The decision, approved at Monday’s (11th) council meeting, marks a significant milestone for Balbriggan and the wider North Fingal area, where calls for a public swimming facility have intensified in recent years amid rapid population growth and increasing pressure on local sports infrastructure.
The proposed development will consist of a single-storey public swimming pool featuring a 25-metre, six-lane pool and a spectator viewing gallery.
Plans for the facility also include village-style, group and accessible changing facilities, showers and toilets, a reception and waiting area, meeting rooms, staff offices, storage areas and buggy storage.
Fingal County Council said the project has been deliberately designed to complement existing swimming provision rather than compete with it, while addressing what it described as a clear gap in public facilities across the region.
Mayor of Fingal, Tom O’Leary, welcomed the development, describing it as “a great day for North Fingal”.
“This is a very positive development for Balbriggan, Skerries, Lusk and beyond,” he said.
“The pool will provide a high-quality, accessible public facility for families, schools and swimmers of all ages, and represents an important addition to the social and recreational infrastructure of the area. It’s a great day for North Fingal, with an estimated investment of more than €11 million.”
The project has undergone an extended design and consultation process, with Fingal County Council saying public feedback demonstrated strong support for a local authority-run swimming pool in the area.
As part of the next phase, the council said it plans to refine the design by introducing a variable pool depth ranging from 1.10 metres to 1.80 metres to accommodate a broader range of users and activities, including swimming lessons, family swimming, training and recreational use.
Director of Services David Storey said the project would provide long-term benefits for communities across North Fingal.
“For a long time, there has been a clear need for a high-quality public swimming facility, and we are now moving closer to delivering that reality,” he said.
“This project is about increasing access, supporting active lifestyles, and providing a vital community resource that will benefit people of all ages for generations to come.”
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council AnnMarie Farrelly said the approval represented an important investment in community infrastructure following a lengthy planning and design process.
“This project represents a strong and meaningful investment in community infrastructure,” she said.
“It is a particularly positive outcome following an extended period of design and planning, ensuring that a high-quality, fit-for-purpose swimming pool can be delivered to meet the needs of Balbriggan and the wider area.”
The project has also been welcomed by Swim Ireland, which said the facility would help improve access to swimming opportunities locally.
CEO Mary McMorrow said the pool would support participation, health and wellbeing across all age groups.
“Swim Ireland warmly welcomes Fingal County Council’s decision to progress Fingal’s first public swimming pool in Balbriggan,” she said.
“This much-needed facility will increase opportunities to swim locally and support participation, health and wellbeing for people of all ages.”
In line with the council’s sustainability objectives, photovoltaic panels will also be installed at roof level to support energy-efficient operation.
The swimming pool project aligns with several strategic frameworks, including the Castlelands Masterplan 2021, the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 and Fingal County Council’s Local Sport and Physical Activity Plan 2024-2029.