Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness is seeking support for a petition calling on the Council to develop a public swimming facility in Dungarvan. The West Waterford representative has been campaigning over recent years for a public swimming pool to be developed in the town.
McGuinness said:
“I have been campaigning for a public swimming pool since being first elected to the council in 2019. To say that the council’s senior management is unenthusiastic would be an understatement. Unfortunately despite the clear public demand and the matter being frequently raised by myself and other councillors, management seems unwilling to play a part in developing a public swimming pool.
“Its time for the public to have their say and to add their voices to the demand for a public swimming pool in Dungarvan to serve the town and wider West Waterford area.
“This matter came before the Council recently and was backed by a majority of councillors. Unfortunately not all local councillors backed the proposal – with one councillor opposing it outright and another expressing concerns over the costs.
“Last year the Council eventually commissioned a feasibility study following sustained campaigning and this report clearly articulated the demand and the rationale for a public swimming pool in Dungarvan.
“While clearly a development of this nature will cost a lot to develop there are many examples of excellent facilities that have been developed by local authorities in other parts of the state. These set the benchmark and show what can be achieved when a Council is prepared to work with the community to deliver a significant public amenity. Funding under the national Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Scheme would be an ideal starting point for this project.
“Its important that the campaign for a public swimming pool in Dungarvan continues to gather pace and it kept on the political agenda. Council management must listen to the public and to their democratic representatives. Make sure your voice is heard and sign the petition at www.change.org/DungarvanSwimmingPool
Conor D. McGuinness TD 