Swimming pool plans almost ready to kick off
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A CAMPAIGN to build a public swimming pool in Lucan has been bolstered by the erection of a site notice for the proposed development in Griffeen Valley Park on Esker Manor in Lucan. However, a campaigner believes there should be provisions for spectator seating.
The site notice has been put up as part of the Part Eight public consultation stage of planning, and outlines plans for the development of the swimming pool.
It is proposed that the single-storey building will house a swimming pool, a gymnasium, fitness suites, changing facilities and a cafeteria.
There are also provisions for the development of a car park, comprised of 108 car parking spaces, and 88 bicycle parking spaces.
Helen Farrell, who has been lobbying for a public swimming pool in the area for the past three years as part of the Pool 4 Lucan campaign, has stated that she believes spectator seating should also be included in the plans for the swimming pool.
“Without audience or spectator seating the pool can’t host competitions,” Ms Farrell told The Echo.
“Things like kayaking and water sports clubs who want to train indoors during the winter and hold competitions could use the pool [if it had spectator seating].”
Ms Farrell also added that having spectator seating would be a “good business” move, as being able to host competitions at the swimming pool could give a substantial boost to the local economy.
However, Ms Farrell added that seeing the site notice was “an amazing feeling” as it showed that the local community’s hard work had paid off, after more than 40 years of discussion in the community about the potential for a swimming pool in the area.
The Pool 4 Lucan campaign amassed over 2,000 signatures on a petition for the development of the public swimming pool.
There are plans for the swimming pool to be open by autumn 2018, with South Dublin County Council having committed €6.2 million to the development.
