Ireland’s community sports infrastructure has gained a major new addition in Lucan, with more than €3.8 million in Government funding supporting the development of the new Lucan Leisure Campus.
Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue joined South Dublin County Council for the official opening of the campus on Tuesday, October 20.
The development includes two new swimming pools, one of which is a multi-use pool with a movable floor, alongside a fitness gym, exercise studios, sports hall, sauna and steam room, changing facilities and a crèche.
The wider campus, developed alongside Griffeen Valley Park, combines the new aquatic facilities with a significantly upgraded existing leisure centre, creating a broader community sport and recreation hub for Lucan and the surrounding area. South Dublin County Council says the development is designed for users of all ages and abilities.
The government supported the project with €3,809,214 through the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
“The delivery of this project is a testament to the hard work of the local community, South Dublin County Council, Department officials, and all stakeholders involved,” said Minister McConalogue.
“It provides a much-needed sporting opportunity for this area, accessible to people of all ages and abilities, in all weather, all year round.”
The opening also provides another tangible piece of infrastructure behind Ireland’s first National Swimming Strategy, which aims to give everyone in the country an opportunity to swim.
Just last month, Swim Ireland and Ireland Active called on Government to establish a dedicated, ring-fenced Local Authority Swimming Pool Fund as part of what they argue should become a €1 billion, ten-year investment programme in swimming and community leisure infrastructure.
Their submission highlighted that local authorities operate only 15 per cent of swimming pools in the Republic of Ireland, while 57 per cent are located in hotels. It also found that 73 per cent of facilities providing swimming lessons have waiting lists and only 28 per cent of pools are available for hire by swimming clubs.
That makes publicly accessible facilities such as Lucan important beyond their immediate local catchment.
Minister McConalogue said the new pools would improve access in the region while also supporting water safety and the development of future swimming talent.
Minister of State Emer Higgins, whose Dublin Mid West constituency includes Lucan, highlighted the broader community and wellbeing benefits.
“Swimming is a great way for people of all ages and abilities to stay active, look after their wellbeing and enjoy time together,” she said.
“Having high-quality, accessible facilities like this on our doorstep makes a real difference.”
She also highlighted the sustainability and energy-efficiency measures incorporated into the development.
Sport for Business Perspective
The importance of Lucan Leisure Campus lies as much in what it represents as in the facility itself.
Ireland has become substantially more ambitious about encouraging participation in sport and physical activity, but participation targets ultimately require places where that activity can happen.
Swimming presents a particular infrastructure challenge because pools are expensive to build, energy-intensive to operate and can take many years to move from concept to opening.
Swim Ireland’s recent analysis noted that the Lucan project was originally costed at €12.9 million in 2017, illustrating how construction inflation and project timelines can affect major aquatic developments.
The demand is clearly there. The commercial and operational challenge is creating enough modern, accessible and sustainable facilities to meet it.
Swiom Ireland, Ireland Active, South Dublin County Council and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport are full members of Sport for Business.
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Image Credit: South Dublin County Council
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