Renewed calls for development of public swimming pool in Waterford seaside town
Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness has reiterated calls for the facility in Dungarvan
Renewed calls have been made for the development of a public swimming pool in a seaside town in County Waterford.
Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness has reiterated calls for the facility to be constructed in Dungarvan.
It comes after he met with Swim Ireland, the national governing and development body for swimming, at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin.
At the meeting held last Wednesday, Deputy McGuinness discussed the support Swim Ireland can provide to local authorities seeking to develop public swimming pools.
He said the attendance of Waterford City and County Council representatives was welcome and demonstrated that serious consideration is being given to the development.
Deputy McGuinness has campaigned for a public swimming pool in Dungarvan for a number of years and said he would continue to press the case for the facility.
He stated: “A public swimming pool for Dungarvan is something I have consistently advocated for, and I will continue to push strongly for its delivery.
“My colleague, Cllr Kate O’Mahoney, has also been advocating for this facility and we will continue to work together to build the case and press for progress.
“There is a real groundswell of local opinion in support of a public swimming pool for Dungarvan.
“Families, schools, clubs and community groups understand the need for this facility, and that local support must now be matched with action.”
Deputy McGuinness went on to say that the meeting provided an opportunity to advance the campaign for a swimming pool locally.
“This meeting with Swim Ireland was an important opportunity to discuss the support and expertise available to communities and local authorities seeking to develop public swimming facilities.
“I was particularly pleased that a Director of Services from Waterford City and County Council also attended.
“Connecting the local authority directly with the national governing body for swimming is a positive step.
“We need to build on that engagement, identify the available national funding streams and ensure that the council has the support necessary to progress a project of this scale.”
He argued that a public pool would provide an important amenity for families, children, schools, swimming clubs and the wider community.
Deputy McGuinness said the focus must now be on turning discussion into a deliverable plan.
“I will continue to advocate strongly for a public swimming pool in Dungarvan and press both the local authority and Government to recognise the need for this facility and provide a pathway towards its delivery,” he concluded.