Details of proposed Kildare swimming pool kept under wraps

Details of discussions between Kildare County Council and Maynooth University regarding a proposed swimming pool remain tightly under wraps, as a Fianna Fáil councillor discovered recently.

Cllr Donna Phelan told a recent meeting of Clane Maynooth Municipal District that when she first joined the council, “the message and the timeline were addressed”, and that councillors were told they would have more information later this year on the project.

She said it was important to note the level of public interest in this project, and that a swimming pool in Maynooth has been “long promised”, and was something the community has waiting long for.

While she understood the sensitivities around ongoing negotiations with the university, she said, “residents deserve as much clarity as possible.”

Cllr Phelan said that while a commitment of €3.5m in the Capital Programme towards the swimming pool was to be welcomed, the fact it is listed as “additional” and “subject to funding” provides a degree of uncertainty.

What people want, Cllr Phelan stated, is “a clear timeline”, when the negotiations will be completed, and a time-frame for when they may realistically expect to see progress and the delivery of this much-needed facility.

Cllr Phelan asked when councillors will be told when negotiations will be complete.

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A report issued by the council stated: “As would be normal practice, the Council does not propose to publicly discuss any negotiation regarding swimming pool provision in this District as to do so may adversely prejudice the progression of discussion.

“Maynooth Swimming Pool is a project listed as “Additional – Subject to funding” with capital funding of €3,500,000 allocated, and a commitment to deliver this remains in the 3-year rolling Capital Programme.”