Swimming pool operators benefit from €2.5 million in national funding
By Maurice Garvey
SWIMMING pool operators in the county are set to benefit from a €2.5m national funding package announced on Tuesday by Sport Ireland.
Applicants deemed eligible for receipt of the Covid-19 swimming pool grant fund 2020, are Clondalkin Leisure Centre (€13,230), Tallaght Leisure Centre (€12,715), Tallaght Community School Sports Complex (€8,591), Club Vitaes in Liffey Valley (€6,615) and Maldron Hotel Tallaght (€6,787).
Tallaght Leisure Centre
Further successful applicants include Templeogue College Swimming Pool (€10,911), Crumlin Swimming Pool (€11,684) and Gym Plus Rathfarnham (€9,278).
Sports Minister Catherine Martin said: “While it is appreciated that this is a difficult time for swimming pool operators across the country, the funding announced today will provide financial stability to the sector in the uncertain months ahead.”
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, cited the 2019 Irish Sports Monitor which highlighted swimming to be the “second most popular sport amongst adults with 300,000 participating each week.”
Joe Cosgrove, Chairperson of Ireland Active hopes the funding “will provide relief for swimming pool operators who have been severely hit by the pandemic.
“The recognition of Government around the operational and financial difficulties, with the high energy costs of maintaining swimming pools whilst closed, and the challenges of re-opening with reduced capacities is appreciated,” he said.
Cllr Kenneth Egan (FG) said: “Local people of all ages regularly use the pool in Clondalkin, and for many swimming is vital for their physical and mental wellbeing.”
TD Emer Higgins (FG) welcomed the support to “help Clondalkin Leisure Centre prepare for a return to swimming classes once restrictions reduce.
“Construction works are continuing at the Lucan Swimming Pool site, and we’re all looking forward to seeing it open next year,” she said.
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