Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Armagh native Daniel Wiffen after his historic win earlier this summer. Morgan Treacy/INPHO

Ireland's first ever national swimming strategy will be launched today

Simply ‘getting access to a pool’ will be one of the key measures of the report.

IRELAND’S FIRST EVER national swimming strategy will be revealed later today, as the country seeks to make pools and lessons more viable, just weeks after Team Ireland’s success in the Olympics.

Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht Thomas Byrne said that simply “getting access to a pool” will be one of the key measures of the report.

As The Journal previously reported, Ireland’s swimming facilities are nowhere near meeting demand, with a backlog from the pandemic meaning waiting lists have stubbornly stayed in place.

It’s expected that Daniel Wiffen’s historic gold in Paris and Sligo swimmer Mona McSharry’s bronze medal will make the pastime even more popular – but concerns persist over the the resources available.

river (52) Sligo swimmer Mona McSharry celebrating after her bronze medal win. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

“It’s really important not just for future Olympians, although that’ll be part of it, but also just for the general population in terms of learning to swim and water safety,” Byrne told Newstalk’s breakfast programme this morning.

He said that the swimming strategy is timely given the recent success in Paris and hat it will include a focus on lessons and coaching.

“We’ve had a number of Olympic medals in swimming in the last few weeks – I think it’s important to remember as well, in relation to the strategy, it’s been worked on for the last couple of years,” he said.

“I’m really delighted that we’re launching it in the context of Olympic success because it heightens the profile of it but also puts even more responsibility on Government to make sure that we’re ready for the next Mona McSharry, Daniel Wiffen.”

He added: “Clearly the most important factor in swimming is getting access to a pool… there’s recommendations in the strategy about work that will now take place in relation to that,” he said.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
15 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute JB Software
    Favourite JB Software
    Report
    Aug 22nd 2024, 1:02 PM

    New swimming strategy: swim faster! You’re welcome. I will accept payment via revolut.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Murphy
    Favourite John Murphy
    Report
    Aug 22nd 2024, 2:18 PM

    Many areas of the country need more 25m community pools.
    There are lots of small <20m hotel pools around that are just too small to train up good swimmers.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The next small thing
    Favourite The next small thing
    Report
    Aug 22nd 2024, 2:26 PM

    @John Murphy: Yes, we couid do with more pools however who pays for their upkeep, should it be the end user or should the local authority pay for it from an increase in property tax?

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute maritoj
    Favourite maritoj
    Report
    Aug 22nd 2024, 3:17 PM

    About time. Hotel pools are not suitable for anything other than a short dip in winter.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute LORCAN BARRON
    Favourite LORCAN BARRON
    Report
    Aug 22nd 2024, 2:57 PM

    The National Aquatic Centre needs a purpose built 50 metre pool so our swimmers can train the same as other international swimmers do .

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute M To The B
    Favourite M To The B
    Report
    Aug 22nd 2024, 4:39 PM

    @LORCAN BARRON: er… It has one already…

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Finnerty
    Favourite Martin Finnerty
    Report
    Aug 22nd 2024, 12:12 PM

    Spending Taxpayers money on how to Swim. Bonkers.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean O'Dhubhghaill
    Favourite Sean O'Dhubhghaill
    Report
    Aug 22nd 2024, 12:24 PM

    @Martin Finnerty: Saves lives.

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thesaltyurchin
    Favourite Thesaltyurchin
    Report
    Aug 22nd 2024, 12:36 PM

    @Martin Finnerty: Shouldn’t the people paying for everything get something back! imo they should be first on the list.

    23
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shimo F
    Favourite Shimo F
    Report
    Aug 22nd 2024, 1:40 PM

    @Martin Finnerty: you are aware you live on an island :)

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Lee
    Favourite John Lee
    Report
    Aug 22nd 2024, 2:19 PM

    @Martin Finnerty: It’s obviously going to look at how to provide additional swimming facilities, steps to increase the uptake in swimming and funding mechanisms on how to deliver all this and more!

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Araic
    Favourite Araic
    Report
    Aug 23rd 2024, 8:48 AM

    The pool in Edenderry Co Offaly burnt down in January this year, no way information to the community on when it will be re build or repaired. Staff let go and the already over subscribed waiting list just getting longer. In a town where there is a water way running through the centre, parents are left with no alternative but to seek swimming lessons in private pools ie hotels or drive a 1.5hr round trip to the nearest public pool, if they can access a spot. .. maybe start in these towns as I’m sure edenderry isn’t the only town in this situation

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel