Edenderry Pool allocated €8.9m in funding

The Edenderry Swimming Pool Project has received a funding allocation of €8.9 million as part of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), which was announced this morning (Monday).

The allocation for the Edenderry Pool facility, which was destroyed by a fire in January this year, is one of the largest funding allocations in the country.

Announcing the €8.9m towards the new Edenderry Pool project, Green Party Minister for State Pippa Hackett said close engagement with her Party colleague, Catherine Martin,  Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, has delivered this hugely significant and much needed funding package for the north Offaly area.

Minister Pippa Hackett said, “I am ecstatic and yes, I have been advocating for this funding, and the Ministers’ support from the outset,  so don’t let any solo politician tell you this is down to them.

“This pool, once it is finally delivered, will be due to the commitment of literally hundreds of people – from Offaly County Council, and here I’m thinking of Sharon Kennedy, who first introduced the project to me, and more recently Andrew Murray who has been liaising with me, to Cllr Noel Cribben and the pool committee and Brenda, manager of the original pool which is so badly missed - to the 140 people, families and organisations whose written submissions counted towards the success in achieving the funding announced today.

“The LSSIP fund is highly competitive and today’s announcement is a major achievement. But to deliver this project for the community we mustn’t be complacent. Further funding is still needed, planning permission needs to be obtained, and most of all community patience during the construction phase; but I believe it is realistic to expect that a state of the art and fully accessible pool, for everybody, regardless of ability or age or any other characteristic is possible in the next couple of years.“

Fine Gael Councillor John Clendennen also welcomed the announcement.

“Edenderry has encountered some dark days with the immediate closure of the swimming pool earlier this year, but today's announcement reaffirms the government's commitment to the town and the proposed €15 million facility which will include a competition-standard swimming pool facility and fitness centre. FINA standard six-lane, 25 metre short course swimming pool, children's pool, and a hydrotherapy recovery area with hot and cold baths. sauna and steam room, strength and conditioning gym”.

Local Fine Gael Councillor and Swimming Pool Committee Chair Noel Cribbin described the news as “the best news ever received in his twenty-five years in politics and representing the town”.

Cllr Cribbin acknowledged the work of so many in getting the project to this stage in less than twelve months.

“The committee with the great help and assistance of Offaly County Council have worked alongside Pool Manager Brenda Hennessy to submit an application to Government for €15 million package that it will cost to build a new pool.

“This has been a key priority for me and I’m delighted with this funding commitment by government”.

There are a number of large scale projects currently earmarked for Edenderry. In addition to the new swimming pool, there are also plans for a new library, arts space and performance area, primary care facility and a new site location for Oaklands College.

Councillor Clendennen acknowledged the work and commitment of Cllr Cribbin and the swimming pool committee, Offaly County Council, and the many more stakeholders involved in getting the project to this stage.

“With the financial framework in place, I’m looking forward to seeing construction commence and delivery of this important facility in the future, ensuring the continued progress of Edenderry as our primary town in the east of the county” concluded Cllr Clendennen.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Claire Murray said she is delighted to hear the news that Edenderry Swimming Pool has been allocated the funding towards the development of a brand new facility.

"I was contacted by Thomas Byrne, Minister for Sport and informed of this fantastic news. All through the local election campaign and now the General Election Campaign, The loss of our swimming pool in Edenderry was highlighted and has been felt by people throughout the county. It is one of the topics that we discuss regularly at Municipal District Council meetings.

“I know that the Swimming Pool Committee and Offaly County Council put in extensive work to apply for this funding and the allocation of these funds will ensure that the people and schools of Edenderry and surrounding areas will not only have a brand new library, a new secondary school and now a brand new swimming pool to look forward to.

"I have heard from many people throughout my campaign that Edenderry and North Offaly needs to be put "back on the map". The addition of these facilities will undoubtedly help us move forward, into the future.

"Earlier in the year, Edenderry Swimming Pool successfully secured funding of €2 million for the development of plans for the new pool.

"The allocation of a further €8.9 million is a terrific boost for the people of Edenderry and will ensure a new, state of the art facility will serve the people of Edenderry. It is important to everyone that the pool is highly accessible for people with disabilities and also that the pool is as sustainable as possible.

“I am also hopeful that the new pool will be accessible financially for people, as the previous pool was. I raised this at the Municipal District Meeting in September as it is important to me that cost does not prohibit marginalised people from enjoying the new facilities."

"I am thrilled to see the ambitions in our hopes for this new facility. Elements such as a gym space or studio, Hydrotherapy and a pool that will cater for competitive event hosting would surely help put North Offaly on the map," concluded Cllr Murray.

The facility has been closed since fire broke out in the plant room of the swimming pool on the Carrick Road on January 16. Up to a dozen adults who were swimming in the pool at the time were evacuated by staff, who were afterwards widely praised for their quick reactions.