Local reps call for a permanent pool in Ardee

Local Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd, and Ardee based Fine Gael Councillor, Dolores Minogue, have said the Ardee pop up pool has been a huge success and has shown the clear need in Ardee and Mid Louth that a permanent pool is now a necessity.

The 12 metres by 3.4 metres swimming pool was located at Ash Walk, between Supervalu and Aldi, and was timed to coincide with Sport Ireland’s Winter Initiative to get people exercising and taking part in physical activities.

Swim Ireland wanted to ensure that as many people as possible had the opportunity to learn how to swim and so, supported by the Department of Culture, Tourism, Arts, Media, Sport and the Gaeltacht and Sport Ireland, they rolled out the pop up pool initiative.

O’Dowd said: “On Friday we met with Ashley Hunter, Head of Participation in Swim Ireland to discuss the level of participation at the Ardee pool and we now eagerly await the final figures on the numbers who used the facility since February.

“We were delighted to see so many local people enjoying the pool over the last number of months, in particular persons with a disability and younger children learning basic water safety and having fun.

O’Dowd added: “Louth County Council, Swim Ireland and of course the instructors have done a fantastic job in managing the project which has benefited so many in the community.

“I originally raised this possibility with the Minister for Sport last May on behalf of my colleague Cllr Dolores Minogue and we pushed strongly for Mid Louth to be prioritised.

Councillor Dolores Minogue said:

“This has been a really fun and welcome addition for the area and I know that many families are disappointed to see the pool leave.

“Deputy O’Dowd and I will be doing our utmost to try and secure its return as soon as possible.

“Swim Ireland outlined that the overall cost of such a pop up pool is ca. €300k so we will also be looking at the possibility of securing specific funding that might allow Louth County Council and Swim Ireland to purchase a permanent pop up pool for the area.”