Council works to increase public’s access to pool

PUBLIC opening hours may be extended at a local authority swimming pool in Cork after a major investment in upgrades.

City officials last night confirmed they were working to increase the number of public swimming hours at the Gus Healy pool in Douglas after putting nearly €500,000 into the facility since mid-November.

The investment followed years of campaigning and political wrangling.

Last October, the Government announced €340,270 grant aid under the Department of Transport, Sport and Tourism’s sport, energy upgrade and disability improvements grants scheme.

The pool closed while the money was spent on a boiler, roof insulation, new double-glazed windows, its first pool cover, a building management system, a water-saving system for cisterns, and a pool hoist for disabled access.

City Hall also spent a further €100,000 on decoration with new tiles in the shower and changing areas, the installation of external CCTV and other items.

The pool, managed by Leisureworld, is due to reopen later this week.

It is used by clubs and schools from 7am to 10pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 2pm on Saturdays.

Members of the public have access just one hour a day — from 1pm to 2pm.

City Hall spokesman Stephen Scully said it was hoped that these hours could be increased: “But it will depend on demand.”

Cllr Laura McGonigle (FG) said the upgrades have transformed the pool.

“I have had constant complaints about the poor state of the dressing rooms — now that they have been refurbished, it will add greatly to what is a wonderful local amenity,” she said.

She also criticised Cllr Des Cahill, who has said he “wouldn’t wash a cat” in Douglas pool.

Mr Scully said that while the pool had suffered from under-investment, the water quality had always been of the highest standard.

The state grant aid last year also included €201,000 for the council’s Leisureworld Bishopstown, and €181,000 for its Leisureworld Churchfield complexes.

“The enhancement works to all three pools, will improve energy efficiency, further improve disabled access, and will have an annual impact on reducing operational costs for each facility,” said Mr Scully.