Pools to benefit from €3.2 million boost

Swimming pool operators across the country are to receive funding from a €3.2 million package announced on Friday by Sport Ireland and Ireland Active.

Several swimming pool operators across the region have been allocated funding under the measure, which forms part of the €73.6 million Covid funding announced by the Government last December to support the sport sector.

In County Tipperary, Clonmel Park Hotel Leisure Centre saw funding of €8,580.76 allocated. Kilcoran Lodge Hotel and Leisure Centre was allocated a sum of €5,994.77, while Ballykisteen Hotel saw funding of €7,757.94 allocated.

Aura Youghal Leisure Centre in County Cork saw sizable funding of over €17,800 allocated to them, while Fota Island Spa was granted a sum of €8,580.76. Midleton Park Leisure Club also received funding and was awarded €11,636.91, while the Castlemarytr Resort Hotel received €7,170.22.

The majority of funding for Limerick went to swimming pool operators located in or near the city, with the largest sum in the county allocated to the UL Sport Arena which was granted €20,922.94.

Waterford also saw several allocations, with Clonea Strand Hotel Leisure Centre, Faithlegg Estuary Health Club and the Goldcoast Leisure Centre all benefitting from funding.

According to the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, the funding will help provide financial stability to the sector.

“While it is appreciated that the last two years have been a difficult period for swimming pool operators across the country, the funding announced by Sport Ireland and Ireland Active today will help provide financial stability to this important sector,” she said.

The funding allocation is an acknowledgement of the importance of the sector and the impact swimming has on the nation’s health. Ireland Active was appointed by Sport Ireland to administer the swimming pool grant scheme, supported by partners Swim Ireland.