Young offenders to get swimming complex

A MULTI-MILLION-euro new swimming pool complex in north Dublin is to serve young offenders who will be segregated from families and the general public using the facility.

Male and female juveniles will use the sports and leisure facility which will have no openable windows, no piping that can facilitate escapes and be designed to stop drugs being smuggled in.

The Department of Justice, which is building the facility, also plans to allow members of the public to use the pool complex, which is to be built in Lusk, north Dublin.

The main pool will be used by young offenders housed in three nearby institutions at Trinity House, the Oberstown Boys’ Centre and the Oberstown Girls’ Centre. The security aspect of the complex must be “integral” in designing the pool, read a department advertisement yesterday for its construction.

It is intended that the Department of Justice facility will also generate revenue, charging members of the public entry.

Between the three homes, they house most of the State’s 80 youngest offenders who are held in institutions at any one time.

“The dimensions of the swimming pool should be suitable for a range of activities and for use by a core group of children aged 12 to 18 years and should be suitable for use as a facility which could generate revenue if open to the general public including families, sporting groups,” explained the tender.

Children as well as staff will be asked their opinion about the new complex which will cater for physical therapy, swimming courses, rescue certificates and canoeing and kayaking training.