Minister for State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring has announced grants to 19 swimming pools across Ireland to improve access for people with disabilities, as well as a Green Swimming Pool initiative to make the pools across Ireland more energy efficient and less reliant on State support. This includes a grant of €359,550 to Westport Leisure Centre.
Minister Ring said: “I am delighted to be able to improve access and facilities for people with disabilities. The new €4.4 million of grants will be used for a range of purposes depending on the pool, including providing ramps, hoists, widening doorways or new changing facilities.
“The grants will also help these pools to become more energy efficient, and reduce their carbon footprint. Large heating bills are the single biggest cost in running a swimming pool. So by making them more efficient, we are also reducing the burden on taxpayers by cutting back on energy and water requirements.”
“It’s particularly welcome that the grants will have a positive effect on employment levels, helping to sustain jobs and in some cases create new ones,” concluded Deputy Ring.
