Limerick may make a splash as pop-up swimming pool idea floated

LIMERICK could make a splash with pop-up pools providing a spot for people to chill out across the city centre.

It comes after members of the metropolitan district passed a motion calling for the acquisition of a mobile swimming pool.

Council officials have said they will examine the feasibility of bringing in a pool, and are ready to enter talks with Swim Ireland.

Labour councillor Joe Leddin, whose call it was, said: “I am getting calls and emails from parents particularly saying there was a time in Limerick when we had four or five public swimming pools when we didn’t have the population and demographic we have today.”

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The City West councillor says many large families feel locked out of learning how to swim, with the only pools available being in private leisure centres.

Sporting director Fiona McCormack said she would kick off talks with Swim Ireland with a view to potentially delivering the pools next summer, subject to funding.

Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara seconded the motion, saying: “It’s a life-saving skill everyone deserves the opportunity to learn. I remember canvassing in Ballynanty during the locals and asking two teenagers who came to a door what they’d like to see in their community, and they instantly replies with ‘a swimming pool’."

He said if the money can be found for pop-up pools, perhaps it could form the bedrock of next year’s summer in the city plans – or potentially on land in Coonagh or Moyross.

Cllr Leddin floated the idea of Mungret Park being used, as this is council-owned land.

There was backing for Cllr Leddin’s motion from Elisa O’Donovan of Social Democrats plus Independent members Ursula Gavan and Maria Donoghue.