€24k funding splash for local swimming pools
The ongoing restrictions continue to cause uncertainty for swimming pool operators, which remain closed at the current Level 5.
More than €24,000 has been allocated to almost a dozen local swimming pool operators in Cavan and Monaghan in the second and final phase of a targeted COVID-19 grant scheme.
In total, €91,418 have been allocated to the local swimming pool facilities since December, part of €706,000 announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media, Catherine Martin TD, and Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers TD.
The €2.5m funding scheme was announced as part of the July Stimulus package, which aimed to support publicly accessible swimming pools respond to the challenge associated with maintaining swimming pools and the effort to reopen and remain open, within COVID-19 safety protocols, and to promote participation in the sport of swimming.
Sport Ireland appointed Ireland Active, the representative body for the leisure, health and fitness sector, to administer the swimming pool grant scheme, supported by partners Swim Ireland.
The ongoing restrictions continue to cause uncertainty for swimming pool operators, which remain closed at the current Level 5.
In December 2020 €2,386,519 was awarded to over 200 facilities. Phase 2 was delivered in February 2021.
In Cavan, Bailieborough Swimming & Leisure Centre received €11,567 (€2,460 in February 2021 and €9,107 in December 2020); Cavan Swimming & Leisure Complex €13,422 (€2,855/ €10,567); Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort €9,930 (€2,112/ €7,818); Slieve Russell Hotel €11,021 (€2,344/ €8,677); and Zest Health & Fitness Club at the Cavan Crystal Hotel €11,567 (€2,460/ €9,107).
In Monaghan, 4Fit Leisure Centre in Monaghan received €2,158 in Phase 2; Coral Leisure Monaghan LTD €14,622 (P2 €3,110/ P1 €11,512); Hillgrove Hotel €9,275 (€1,973/ €7,302); Nuremore Hotel Leisure Centre €11,021 (€2,344/ €8,677); The Glencarn Hotel and Leisure Centre €11,457 (€2,437/ €9,021).
Cavan-Monaghan TD and Minister Heather Heather Humphreys welcomed the funding boost for the local businesses.
“It is important for local communities that sports facilities such as swimming pools are serviced and maintained throughout lockdown in order to ensure that reopening occurs when it is appropriate and safe to do so.”