New swimming pool to be part of Louth/Meath talks
A SUBMISSION made by Drogheda Water Polo club to the draft county development plan for a top class swimming pool might yet make a splash in the new Joint Local Area Plan being proposed between Louth and Meath CC.
While the Chief Executive’s report didn’t make provision for it, she remarked, ; The submission on behalf of Drogheda Water polo is both noted and welcomed. In recognition of the importance of community and social infrastructure provision, and its importance in building sustainable and healthy communities, and fostering social inclusion and positive health outcomes, the Council is fully committed to the reservation of appropriate lands and encouragement of the provision of sporting facilities and infrastructure, suitable for intergenerational activities, accessible to all.
‘ The specific request for the provision of a swimming pool in Drogheda is an issue which may be more appropriately addressed in the forthcoming Joint LAP being prepared by LCC in conjunction with MCC. However, the council will continue a collaborative approach with all stakeholders in the identification and facilitation of facilities as needs are identified.’
The submission states that the Drogheda Water Polo club have both Ladies and Men’s teams competing in the highest division in Irish Water Polo, but the club has to travel to the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown to train and play matches, a return journey of 90 minutes. Access to a pool could be provided to 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a shortage of pool hours throughout the country.
‘We are proposing that the council give very strong consideration to the provision of a 35m x 25m swimming pool
and associated facilities thereby allowing sport and club to develop. A pool could be provided as part of a greater sports campus on the Northside of Drogheda, encompassing in addition a sports arena for indoor sports, track and field facilities, all weather pitches and a municipal stadium. It would be open for community use and would improve community participation, health and wellbeing as well as a positive effect in terms of reduction in criminal activity.’