New pop-up pool in Tubbercurry is a big hit
SLIGO Sport and Recreation Partnership, Sligo County Council and Swim Ireland were delighted to announce the arrival of the pop-up pool in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. The 12 metres by 3.4 metres swimming pool will be located close to the town centre on Teeling Street, Tubbercurry, until the end of December 2022 and is perfectly timed to coincide with Sport Ireland’s winter onitiative to get people exercising and taking part in physical activities. Swim Ireland want to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to learn how to swim and so, supported by Sport Ireland, they have rolled out this innovative solution to the very real problem facing communities– where can you access swimming when your nearest swimming pool is too far away? The pool located in Tubbercurry is the second pop-up pool rolled out by Swim Ireland, with the other pool currently set up in Blessington, Co. Wicklow. Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Michael Clarke welcomed guests to the pool launch on Wednesday last and commented: “This project is an excellent example of partnership and collaboration, and the project team from the various agencies involved can take great pride in their efforts. To have a firstclass facility such as this away from the main urban centre of Sligo is a welcome development.”
Speaking on the launch Minister Chambers stated: “This is a really novel way of delivering swimming opportunities in communities without access to pools.
“I want to congratulate Swim Ireland on having the vision to consider such an innovative project and was delighted to provide grant funding to deliver the facility.
“I am committed to increasing participation in sport and swimming is one of the best forms of physical exercise for developing and maintaining high levels of physical fitness and is a sport which people can participate in throughout their lives.
“I am delighted to see the pool in Tubbercurry tie in with the Government’s ‘winter initiative’ and look forward to getting feedback from Swim Ireland and Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership in the months ahead.”
Among the guest speakers at the event was Minister Frank Feighan who commended all the stakeholders and the community of Tubbercurry for their work in making the pool a reality and referenced the many positive health and wellbeing benefits the community will experience arising from having the pool in their town centre.
Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane was in Tubbercurry for the launch and stated: “We are delighted to be working with Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership and Sligo County Council to bring the pop-up pool to Tubbercurry.
“Swimming is a life-skill, and one that it is vital for every child. The pop-up pool is a fantastic opportunity to teach children, and adults, in the area to swim. We look forward to welcoming the people of Tubbercurry, of all ages and abilities to experience the pool and take advantage of the opportunities available.”
Sport Ireland provided funding towards the pool through Dormant Accounts and was represented at the launch by Anna Grant who congratulated all stakeholders involved and encouraged the community to avail of the opportunity to swim in the weeks and months ahead.
SSRP Co-ordinator Deirdre Lavin remarked on the positive collaboration between Swim Ireland, Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership, Sligo County Council and the local community of Tubbercurry, including the Office of Public Works, who provided the site for the pool and added: “This is an innovative approach towards getting people of all ages and all abilities to swim and to develop their confidence in the water, and it is particularly welcome in the rural community of Tubbercurry where to date people have travelled long distances to access a pool.”
The opportunities that the pool will provide and the benefits it will have for the local community are far reaching including school swimming lessons, aquafit classes, autism-friendly swim classes and adult swimming lessons. Many bookings have been received to date and for groups or individuals wishing to book please contact popuppool@ swimireland.ie or book online https:// swimireland.courseprogress.co.uk/ onlinejoining/home.