Minister McConalogue reiterates pledge to deliver swimming pool for Buncrana

Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, has reiterated his pledge to deliver a new swimming pool and leisure centre in Buncrana for the people of Inishowen.

Speaking following the publication of the Swimming Facilities Gap Analysis Report published by Swim Ireland, which noted that Ireland currently has one public swimming pool for every 81,000 people, the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy said:

“I am well aware of the urgent need for more swimming pools across the country, and the challenges that poses. We are seeing a massive demand for pool time that our current infrastructure is having difficulty meeting. This is something I am determined to change.”

“Unfortunately, Buncrana has been without a swimming pool since 2015, but thankfully, that is set to change. Last November, €2 million in funding was allocated to complete the detailed design of the new Buncrana Leisure Centre.”

“Since being appointed to the Department of Sport fifteen months ago, I have worked tirelessly to progress this project for the people of Buncrana and Inishowen along with my party colleague, Cllr Fionán Bradley. Following extensive engagement with the Department, Donegal County Council and the Leisure Centre Committee, the Department has committed this funding, and this will enable the project to progress and for detailed design work to be completed. After the detailed design phase, the project will be ready to be put out to tender,” Minister McConalogue explained.

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Pointing out how the provision of a new leisure centre for Buncrana has been a key political priority, Minister of State McConalogue continued: “I am fully committed to seeing a new swimming pool and leisure centre developed in Buncrana for the people of Inishowen. The funding announcement back in November was an important step in moving this project forward, and I will continue to work to ensure this project’s completion and delivery.”

“The Buncrana project aligns with the Swim Ireland report’s call for sustainable, modern facilities. Unlike the 25 per cent of Irish pools built before 1990 that are now nearing the end of their lifecycle, the new Inishowen facility will be a state-of-the-art hub designed for inclusivity and energy efficiency,” he added.