KILDARE: Improved public swimming facilities are on the way after nearly 6,000 visit pop-up pool

Better public swimming facilities are on the way  following the successful launch of a pop-up swimming pool in north Kildare.

Cllr Nuala Killeen asked Kildare County Council to commit to purchasing a larger pop up pool for the county “considering the significant financial saving and accessibility for numerous residents following the successful trial of the Swim Ireland pop up pool in Leixlip.”

Cllr Killeen said that a permanent structure is not likely to be approved in the short term - but this should remain the goal given gather is no public pool in north Kildare.

She said some 5,800 people visited the pop up facility and said there is a decades long wait for a pool in Leixlip.

“This is a perfect interim solution to make swimming accessible,” said Cllr Killeen.

Cllr Ciara Galvin said the project had been one of Swim Ireland’s most successful and it was used by a significant number of school children.

Read more Kildare news

She said the project has been extended to December and represents good value for money.

Cllr Angela Feeney said it should not be a replacement for a permanent pool “which is the real answer.”

KCC official Marian Higgins said the council is in discussion with Swim Ireland with a view to advancing a solution for north Kildare which will present more options to provide swimming facilities.