Funding boost for works to improve public access and facilities at Clonea beach in Dungarvan

Funding of €26,000 has been allocated for works to improve public access and facilities at Clonea beach in Dungarvan

The project is one of 26 around the country which have been included in a government-funded scheme to support outdoor swimming facilities.

The Co Waterford project will see the installation of changing shelters, showers and access handrails.

The initiative, developed in line with the Healthy Ireland objective of enabling more people to be more active, more often, builds on the recent growth in popularity of outdoor swimming by improving the facilities and equipment at designated swimming locations across the country.

Applications for the Healthy Ireland funding were received from Local Sports Partnerships in almost every county. Awards of up to €30,000 have now been granted to 51 projects around the country, including designated swimming spots at beaches, lakes and rivers, as well as outdoor pool facilities.

The funds, which will be administered by Sport Ireland on behalf of the Department of Health, will be used to improve access, enhance changing facilities and to purchase equipment to assist people with disabilities.

Announcing details of the successful applicants, the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Colm Burke TD, commented that outdoor swimming has many benefits for people's physical and mental health and is a valuable outlet for social connection that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

“In line with the Healthy Ireland principles, the funding we’re allocating today will improve the access and facilities at swimming spots nationwide, encouraging more people to engage in an activity that promotes improved health and wellbeing.

“I am very encouraged by the large number of funding applications received, with very creative proposals that will enhance the usability of our many wonderful swimming spots all over the country.

“I want to thank our outdoor swimming groups, our Local Sports Partnerships, and our local authorities for their work on this initiative. I look forward to seeing work commence in the coming weeks so that swimmers will be able to enjoy the benefits of this funding throughout the summer.”

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CEO of Sport Ireland Una May said:  “This (announcement) marks a valuable opportunity to take what is becoming a very popular avenue for physical activity and make it more accessible to more people. Sport Ireland has been proud to work with our network of Local Sports Partnerships, with contacts in the local authority sector, and with representatives of swimming groups across the country, taking the principles behind this funding and turning them into practical actionable projects.

“Open Water swimming is one of the most equitable sporting opportunities in the country, and today marks the culmination of an intensive body of work to analyse the range of outdoor swimming locations across the country and identify infrastructure or equipment that can open them up to more people. Sport Ireland looks forward to engaging further on this range of proposals to get works under way as soon as possible.”

Swim Ireland CEO, Sarah Keane added: “Swim Ireland has been proud to support the Minister by helping to shortlist the successful initiatives from the breadth of applications that were submitted. This funding is a welcome opportunity to help to further grow Open Water swimming participation across Ireland. We are fortunate to have a beautiful and diverse range of great locations in our seas, lakes and rivers across the length and breadth of our country. Opening them up to more people enables us to further grow participation levels in outdoor swimming and support the health and wellbeing of our people.”