Call to reopen The Curragh swimming pool unites Kildare-Newbridge MD Cllrs
The pool was initially closed as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020
A number of councillors across the political spectrum came together to call for the swimming pool located in The Curragh to be reopened by Kildare County Council (KCC).
Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer called for the pool to be reopened at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which was held on Wednesday, April 17 last.
Specifically, Cllr O'Dwyer motioned for KCC to 'contact the Department of Defence to request access to the swimming pool in
The Curragh for schools and other groups', as the pool has been closed since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
KCC told Cllr O'Dwyer in response that this is a matter for the Municipal District members to agree.
File photograph: Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer.
"This is creating a financial strain on parents as a result," Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer added.
Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer's points were supported by Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender and Fianna Fáil Cllr Rob Power, the latter of which agreed with Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer's point about capacity.
"I would welcome (KCC) taking on the issue with the Department of Defence," Cllr Power said.
Other councillors who agreed with Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer's call included Fianna Fáil Anne Connolly (she also told KCC she had a conflict of interest in relation to this motion), Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly, and the Cathaoirleach for the Municipal District, Fine Gael Cllr Paddy Curran.
The exterior of the building housing the pool in The Curragh. Photograph supplied by Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer.