Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
161. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he recognises the need for a public swimming pool in Dungarvan, County Waterford; and when the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, which can assist in the delivery of the project, will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16759/26]
View answerIreland’s first National Swimming Strategy was published in August 2024 and it sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim. It includes an Action Plan containing over fifty actions across five thematic strands, focusing on providing improved facilities, increasing access for people with disabilities, improving the culture of inclusion, better coaching supports, increasing safety awareness and providing a pathway that allows for the nurturing and development of potential high performers.
Swim Ireland’s Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report is being examined by my Department and will be a key input to the future development of swimming pool facilities by enabling enhanced decision-making with regard to targeting investment more effectively.
Capital support for new swimming pools, and the refurbishment of existing pools, continues to be provided by my Department through the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, LSSIF, which has to date allocated €41.4 million to swimming pool and aquatic infrastructure projects.
No application has been received under LSSIF in relation to a swimming pool in Dungarvan. The programme is aimed primarily at local authorities and National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs). The 2024 round of the LSSIF was also open to other bodies, such as sports clubs, voluntary organisations, Education and Training Boards and third level institutions to apply with applications to be submitted and prioritised by a local authority and/or a NGB.
The LSSIF is currently closed to applications. My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF. This process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round, but I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide.
