Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has renewed his call for a public swimming pool in Dungarvan following a meeting with Swim Ireland at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin.
Deputy McGuinness met Swim Ireland, the national governing and development body for swimming, on Wednesday to discuss the support it can provide to local authorities and communities seeking to develop public swimming pools.
He said the attendance of Council representatives including a Director of Services was welcome and demonstrated that serious consideration is finally being given to the development.
Deputy McGuinness has campaigned for a public swimming pool in Dungarvan for years and said he would continue to press the case for the facility.
“A public swimming pool for Dungarvan is something I have consistently advocated for, and I will continue to push strongly for its delivery.
“My colleague Cllr. Kate O’Mahony has also been advocating for this facility, and we will continue to work together to build the case and press for progress.
“There is a real groundswell of local opinion in support of a public swimming pool for Dungarvan. Families, schools, clubs and community groups understand the need for this facility, and that local support must now be matched with action.
“This meeting with Swim Ireland was an important opportunity to discuss the support and expertise available to communities and local authorities seeking to develop public swimming facilities.
“I was particularly pleased that a director of services from Waterford City and County Council also attended. Connecting the local authority directly with the national governing body for swimming is a positive step.
“We need to build on that engagement, identify the available national funding streams and ensure that the Council has the support necessary to progress a project of this scale.”
Deputy McGuinness said a public pool would provide an important amenity for families, children, schools, swimming clubs and the wider community, supporting swimming lessons, water safety and participation in sport.
He said the focus must now be on turning discussion into a deliverable plan.
“I will continue to advocate strongly for a public swimming pool in Dungarvan and press both the local authority and Government to recognise the need for this facility and provide a pathway towards its delivery.”