Funding splash for Leitrim as outdoor swimming facility set for upgrade
Cleighran More Pier in Ballinaglera, a facility developed by Waterways Ireland, has been awarded €13,000 for the development of new changing facilities and a covered seating area.
Two projects in the Sligo-Leitrim area have received funding under the Healthy Ireland fund for outdoor swimming facilities, which was announced on November 10.
A total of €330,000 has been allocated to support local authorities in upgrading many of their outdoor swimming pools and related facilities.
This is the second year of the scheme, which aims to make Ireland’s approved outdoor swimming locations more accessible, allowing more people to experience the health benefits of outdoor swimming.
In Leitrim, Cleighran More Pier in Ballinaglera, a facility developed by Waterways Ireland, has been awarded €13,000 for the development of new changing facilities and a covered seating area.
Meanwhile, in Sligo, Dunmoran Strand and Mullaghmore Beaches have secured funding of €25,000 for the installation of two concrete changing shelters with seating, one concrete shower unit, and associated civil works.
Swimming locations in 17 local authority areas will each receive allocations, supporting the provision and upgrading of handrails, swim shelters, access ladders, safety notice boards, shower facilities, and beach wheelchairs.
These enhancements will make approved swimming locations more accessible, particularly for people with reduced mobility, and will build on the progress made since the scheme was first introduced in 2024.
The distribution of this funding will be managed by Sport Ireland on behalf of the Department of Health, in line with their vision of “an active Ireland where everyone can enjoy the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity.”
“I want to thank the local sports partnerships and local authorities for submitting on behalf of Ballinaglera, Mullaghmore and Dunmoran. I hope to see many more people get out swimming and using these facilities, which make it much more comfortable and accessible,” commented Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan.