Public pool plan makes waves in tourist stronghold

A public swimming pool is being planned for Killarney in a town where there are already 14 pools. Donal Hickey examines the arguments for and against it.

KILLARNEY has more private hotel swimming pools than petrol filling stations or supermarkets. The fact underlines the old tradition in the area of putting tourists first.

But local people also need leisure services and plans are moving ahead to build a public sports complex, including a controversial 25-metre pool, at a cost of €12 million.