Lucan swimming pool project costs escalate from €10m to €13m
By Brendan Grehan
THE COST of the swimming pool in Lucan has jumped from €10 million to €13 million, The Echo can reveal.
The revised costing was announced at a presentation by the project’s architects at this week’s Lucan area committee meeting of South Dublin County Council.
SDCC look set to foot the extra €3m bill. ABK Architects gave the presentation to the councilors.
Located in Griffeen Valley Park, the main pool will be on three levels and the smaller pool will have a moveable floor so it can be used by people with reduced mobility. The complex will also have a gym, a new exercise and training centre, and a café.
Local councillor William Lavelle told The Echo that he was not surprised at the increase in cost of the project.
He said: “It is not surprising. The cost of the pools in Tallaght and Clondalkin were €14m. We were told it would be €10m, but it was not a costed figure. The plan looks very impressive. I must commend the county architect and ABK Architects for their presentation.”
Cllr Danny O’Brien also welcomed seeing the new plans for the swimming pool.
He said: “It has been a long road for the residents and schools in the area but it is finally becoming a reality. The plan will not only see one but two pools built in this new complex at Griffeen Valley Park. The site will be placed beside the current Leisure Centre”.
He added: “The cost of the development is estimated at €13m. This project has been talked about for so many years, but it is now becoming a reality thanks to pressure by residents, schools, lobby groups and local councillors”.
Cllr O’Brien said the plans will now go to the relevant Government departments for approval so that the funds from the swimming pool grant can be released to SDCC.
He said: “The balance of the funding required will come directly from council funding. The estimated cost to the council is approximately €10m.
“As a councillor who has worked on this project since I was elected in 2014, it is with great pride that I can witness this amazing amenity progress to this stage”.
Cllr Liona O’Toole also welcomed the presentation. She told The Echo: “It is great to finally see plans/drawings for the pool for Lucan and as I raised this issue since being elected alongside my Community Alliance colleagues Guss O’Connell and Paul Gogarty and including others, I will continue to keep this issue on the agenda and ensure that the process runs smoothly allowing for the completion date to be reached which is late 2018/early 2019.”
The Echo contacted South Dublin County Council for a comment but they did not respond before we went to press.