No end in sight as Glenalbyn Swimming Pool saga continues

FRESH questions have emerged regarding delays in the re-opening of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool in Stillorgan.

The pool closed suddenly in late 2013 and, according to Cllr Deirdre Donnelly (Ind), the public is still waiting for news of a new swimming facility for the area.

Cllr Donnelly, along with Minister Shane Ross, have been campaigning for the re-opening of the pool since the closure. 

 “A large number of schools in the area were badly let down when the pool closed,” Cllr Donnelly said. “That was over three years ago, and we still have no official word on when it will be reopen to the public. I put questions on the agenda for the February Council meeting about this and am very concerned about the responses I received.” 

Cllr Donnelley claimed that council officials had agreed that Kilmacud Crokes and the council would work together to address issues of concern that the club has regarding the provision of facilities for their members.

She added that according the council, as it had not yet finalised its plans in relation to this aspect of the negotiations, it had not been possible to progress discussions on the impacts of the pool refurbishment project on the club’s facilities in Glenalbyn.

 However, Cllr Donnelly is not impressed.

“We have been told the same story for the past year,” she said. “People are asking questions and are clearly not happy. I sought information on the ongoing negotiations with Kilmacud Crokes as well as a timeline for completion of the project.

“The timeline is quite clear and the process following council approval is laid out in a very detailed manner. This is all contingent, however, on agreement with the owners of the grounds around the pool. I feel that this negotiation process has dragged on too long and am concerned about the delays it is causing to the re-opening of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool.”

Cllr Donnelly added: “I put forward a motion at a council meeting last year to proceed with the rebuilding of a pool on the current site but it was ruled out of order by the cathaoirleach. I was very disappointed by this. A number of other issues have been dominating council business recently and I am concerned that there isn’t enough focus on this much-needed swimming facility for Stillorgan and the surrounding areas.”

Minister Shane Ross echoed Cllr Donnelly’s concerns.

“I am very disappointed that the reopening of the pool does not appear to be a priority issue for the council. I appreciate there are significant issues that need to be ironed out with Kilmacud Crokes but the council has dragged its feet for years now. The Stillorgan area has been without this amenity for too long.”

A spokesperson for the council stated: “Discussions on the impacts of the pool refurbishment project on Kilmacud Club facilities in Glenalbyn are ongoing. A report on the outcome of the negotiations will be brought back to council when they are completed.”