Sport Ireland and Ireland Active have announced a €3.2 million funding package for swimming pool operators across the country.
The money forms part of the €73.6m in Covid funding to support the sport sector announced by Government last December.
The funding allocation is an acknowledgement of the importance of the sector and the impact swimming has on the nation’s health. Ireland Active was appointed by Sport Ireland to administer the swimming pool grant scheme, supported by Swim Ireland.
“While it is appreciated that the last two years have been a difficult period for swimming pool operators across the country, the funding announced by Sport Ireland and Ireland Active today will help provide financial stability to this important sector,” said Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media Catherine Martin TD announcing the news.
“Swimming Pool operators demonstrated their resilience throughout the pandemic,” added Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers.
“It is important that this resilience continues. The funding announced today will assist swimming pool operators to continue getting communities across the country active and providing a real-life skill. This has never been more important and is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing.”
“The Irish Sports Monitor highlighted swimming to be the second most popular sport amongst adults with 300,000 participating each week,” said Sport Ireland CEO Dr Una May.
“Swimming pools provide a vital resource for schools, clubs and communities across the country. Swimming greatly contributes to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities right across the country.”
“The funding being allocated today will provide some much-needed relief for swimming pool operators who have been severely hit by the pandemic and continued raising energy costs,” added Karl Dunne, CEO of Ireland Active.
“This investment will help swimming pool operators continue to provide essential services which are vital to sustain swimming and maintain high physical activity levels. The recognition of Government around the operational and financial difficulties, along with the high energy costs of maintaining swimming pools is very welcome and will provide some much-needed financial assistance to swimming pool operators.”
“It has been fantastic to have Swim Ireland, Ireland Active, Sport Ireland and Government all working together to support pool operators and recognising the important role they play in helping to deliver and provide swimming opportunities in Ireland,” concluded Sarah Keane, CEO of Swim Ireland.
