Council urged to dive back into swimming pool idea for County Waterford
The campaign to have the pool developed is ongoing. Stock image
Waterford City & County Council has been urged to revisit a swimming pool proposal for Dungarvan and West Waterford.
Sinn Féin TD, Deputy Conor D. McGuinness has called on the local authority to relook at its position on the development of a such a facility.
He told Waterford News & Star her has written to Chief Executive, Seán McKeown, urging "renewed leadership on the issue", and identifying the next round of Large Scale Sports Infrastructure funding as a key opportunity.
“There is a clear and growing public demand for a swimming pool in Dungarvan and it’s long past time that the Council matched that ambition," he said.
"Clubs, schools, families, tourism operators and community groups all see the value in having a local public pool," he added.
He said the Council’s own feasibility study confirmed there is sufficient demand to justify it, commenting: "The problem isn’t the community; it’s the lack of political will from senior management.”
He expressed criticism of what he said was “ongoing reluctance” at Council executive level to support or advance the proposal in any meaningful way.
“Despite years of local campaigning, a feasibility study, and repeated motions passed by councillors, the Council has still not moved forward on design, costing or funding preparation," he said.
"We need the Council to step up - to take the lead and prepare the ground for a proper application under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund," he added. He also commented that other towns with similar populations have secured public pools through determined local authority leadership and strong community engagement.
“There is absolutely no reason Dungarvan should be left behind," said Deputy McGuinness. "A pool here would be used year-round by young people, schools, clubs and visitors."
He went on to comment: "It would be a real asset for health, sport, and water safety and a boost for tourism too. It’s an essential piece of infrastructure for West Waterford. I hope the Council will now listen to the people and to their elected representatives. This is not a passing campaign; the demand is real, and it’s not going away.”
