Calls on Minister to support delivery of public swimming pool for North Kildare
Independent Ireland councillor, Bill Clear has written to the Minister
A local councillor has written to the relevant Minister seeking government support for the delivery of a long-awaited public swimming pool for North Kildare.
Independent Ireland councillor, Bill Clear wrote to the Minister following confirmation that Kildare County Council is commissioning a detailed site feasibility study for a possible swimming pool on lands in its ownership in the Leixlip Demesne townland, close to both Leixlip and Celbridge.
Cllr Clear said the announcement is a very welcome step forward, but that government support will be essential if the project is to move from feasibility and planning to actual delivery.
“This is a project that has been talked about for years, and it is badly needed,” said Cllr Clear.
“North Kildare has grown enormously. Families, schools, clubs, older people and people of all abilities need access to affordable public swimming facilities. We cannot continue to rely on hotel pools or facilities that are difficult to access or too expensive for many people.”
Cllr Clear said he has contacted the Minister directly to ask that the Department engage with Kildare County Council and assist in securing the necessary funding streams for the project.
“Kildare County Council is now taking an important step by commissioning a feasibility study. Intel’s €1 million commitment is also a major boost and shows the level of local support for this project. But to get this built, we will need serious Government backing.
“I have asked the Minister to work directly with Kildare County Council to help identify and secure the funding needed to bring this public pool through planning, construction and delivery.”
Cllr Clear said a public swimming pool for North Kildare would provide major benefits for health, wellbeing, water safety, inclusion and community sport.
“Swimming is one of the few activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is also vital for children’s water safety and for school swimming programmes. This would be a hugely important public health and community facility for Leixlip, Celbridge and the wider North Kildare area.
“Kildare is one of the fastest-growing counties in Ireland. Community and sporting infrastructure must keep pace with that growth. A public swimming pool for North Kildare is not a luxury. It is essential infrastructure.”
Cllr Clear concluded by saying he will continue to press for the project to be fully supported.
“The feasibility study is welcome, but the people of North Kildare need to see this project delivered. I will continue to push for Government support so that this long-promised public swimming pool becomes a reality.”