Lack of licensing system for swimming pools criticised

THERE is no licensing system or regulations for the running of private or public swimming pools in Ireland.

The anomaly has come to light following the drowning of 8-year-old Issac Agaba-Adefeya last week in Navan.

Irish Water Safety (IWS), which is the statutory body that deals with water safety and trains most of the country’s lifeguards, confirmed it has no power of inquiry into such incidents in private pools unless specifically directed to do so by the Environment Minister.