Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
154. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures being taken to increase the provision of public swimming pools, particularly in areas currently without adequate facilities; and if he will outline any capital funding streams available for such projects. [16795/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s first National Swimming Strategy, published in August 2024, sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim.
The public consultation that informed the development of the National Swimming Strategy suggested that existing swimming pool stock is insufficient and, as a result, a key focus of the Strategy is on providing improved facilities. There is a specific action in the strategy to complete an in-depth analysis of swimming pool provision within Ireland with particular reference to identifying gaps in provision. 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
In support of the Strategy, additional funding of €500,000 was provided to Swim Ireland in 2024 for the deployment of swimming activators to work within local authority areas, focusing on increasing participation amongst under-represented groups and improving coaching supports and facilities. This additional funding will also be provided in 2025 and 2026 – totalling €1.5 million over three years.
Responsibility for the delivery of the Strategy’s Action Plan will be shared across Government Departments, State Agencies and other key stakeholders, including local authorities. Sport Ireland has established an oversight group of key stakeholders to give leadership, policy direction, prioritisation and mobilisation of resources to support, monitor and measure the Strategy’s implementation.
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 which, to date, has allocated €41.4 million to swimming pool and aquatic infrastructure projects.
