08/02/2026
Thanks to the Irish Independent for covering this.
Every public swimming pool in Meath currently has a waiting list for lessons, according to a new report, prompting calls for “greater investment” in swimming facilities.
Deputy O'Rourke criticised the “glacial pace” of capital investment, pointing to the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), under which only three pools nationally are currently in a design phase expected to run until 2027.
“We need a step-change in approach,” he said.
“We need urgent, ring-fenced capital funding to build new public pools in areas of greatest need, including Meath and a new round of the LSSIF without further delay, specifically targeting swimming pool provision.”
Mr O’Rourke also called for greater support for local authorities to take a lead in delivering and managing public swimming facilities, moving away from “over-reliance” on private providers.
https://www.independent.ie/regionals/meath/news/this-is-denying-children-a-vital-life-skill-waiting-lists-hit-every-swimming-pool-in-meath/a908278290.html