Swim Ireland has issued its most comprehensive warning yet on the future of aquatic sport and water safety in the State, as a landmark report identifies severe deficits in the number, condition and accessibility of swimming pools across Ireland — with waiting lists rising, ageing facilities deteriorating, and regional disparities widening.
Launched today, the Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report — prepared by FMG Consulting and funded by Sport Ireland through the Dormant Accounts Fund — is the first full-scale audit of its kind on the island. The report assesses infrastructure condition, public accessibility, lesson availability, energy sustainability, and geographic distribution at the county and provincial levels. Its conclusion is clear: Ireland does not possess the pool capacity, modernisation strategy, or public access models required to meet existing or future demand.
Despite swimming ranking as Ireland’s second most popular sport, and the leading sport among women and people with a disability, the country has just one publicly-accessible pool for every 81,053 people. The report notes that 57% of Ireland’s pool stock is located in hotels, where higher costs, restricted hours and membership barriers reduce accessibility and disproportionately affect low-income families. Accessibility remains a systemic issue, with over half of all facilities lacking pool hoists, rising to 73% in hotel pool settings.
This places Ireland significantly behind international norms and undermines national ambitions for lifelong participation, water safety and performance pathways.
A shortage of facilities is compounded by pressure on existing pools. Waiting lists for swimming lessons are present at 67% of pools, a bottleneck intensified by population growth, demographic change and the increasing prioritisation of swimming for physical activity, rehabilitation and disability sport.
Crisis in Sustainability
The report also highlights a crisis in sustainability and cost efficiency. Many pools rely on outdated heating systems during an era of rising energy costs, meaning operators face financial pressures that threaten affordability and long-term viability. The report calls for clear policy direction and capital investment to support transitions to heat pumps, solar installations and other renewable energy systems as part of Ireland’s net-zero commitments.
“This report is a wake-up call,” said Sarah Keane, outgoing CEO of Swim Ireland. “It lays bare the systemic challenges facing our swimming and aquatic infrastructure and puts a stark spotlight on the barriers preventing many Irish people from accessing the life-saving skill of swimming.”
The report reveals large geographic imbalances, none more striking than the absence of a 50-metre pool in Connacht, where residents must travel an average of 100 kilometres for access to a modern long-course facility. The lack of national balance, Swim Ireland warns, limits not only elite pathways but community benefits — from water safety to tourism.
Olympic and double world champion Daniel Wiffen underscored the significance beyond high performance: “This isn’t just about elite sport; it’s about giving every child the chance to learn to swim, to be safe in and around water… We are limiting potential.”
A Call for Structural Reform
The report outlines a multi-pronged “Call to Action” seeking:
- Dedicated long-term capital investment to expand public pool provision
- Mandated accessibility standards, including technology such as hoists
- Energy transition planning for sustainable heating models
- New operational frameworks to improve community access
- Uniform national design guidelines for cost control and future consistency
Incoming interim CEO Mary McMorrow highlighted the layered challenges facing facility operators: “We have an aging infrastructure, a reliance on privately-owned facilities that limit public access, and significant regional disparities. The operational complexities combined with sustainability needs are compounding the issue.”
“A Sea Change in Strategy” Required
The report has been welcomed at ministerial level, with Government acknowledging alignment between its findings and consultations underpinning the 2024 National Swimming Strategy.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD said improving pool infrastructure is central to supporting Ireland’s ageing population and lifelong participation goals, citing the recent €1.26 million refurbishment of Askeaton Swimming Pool as an example of future-focused investment.
Minister of State for Sport Charlie McConalogue TD added that while over €1 billion has been invested in sports infrastructure since 2018, the report demonstrates “a sea change” is required in how Ireland builds, operates and maintains aquatic facilities.
An Inflection Point for Ireland’s “Island of Swimmers” Vision
The publication of the Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report gives a reality benchmark for policymakers, local authorities and Swim Ireland, as demand for water safety education, health-focused activity and inclusive sport continues to grow.
With participation rising, energy costs increasing, and key regions underserved, Swim Ireland argues that investment in pools is now not only a sporting priority but a public health, accessibility and sustainability issue.
The vision, Keane says, remains clear: “An Island of Swimmers.” The challenge, as today’s report outlines, is how quickly and strategically Ireland can build the infrastructure to support it.
Image Credit: Swim Ireland, Inpho.ie
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