Swim Ireland Report: “A Pool Within Reach” Remains a Distant Reality Amidst Critical Swimming Infrastructure Gaps

Swim Ireland today launched its groundbreaking “Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report” prepared by FMG Consulting Limited and funded by Sport Ireland through the Dormant Accounts Fund. As the first comprehensive survey of its kind, this in-depth analysis examined crucial aspects such as the condition and age of swimming facilities, community accessibility, the availability of swimming lessons, energy and sustainability practices, and the provincial and county-level distribution of pools across the island.

The report reveals significant deficiencies in Ireland’s aquatic infrastructure and highlights a pressing need for urgent investment and strategic planning to ensure every Irish person has access to swimming facilities and the life-saving skill of swimming.

The data paints a stark picture: with only one public pool per 81,053 people in the Republic of Ireland – dramatically lagging international best practices – and with 57% of pools in hotels, which often entails limited public access and higher membership costs, barriers to participation are at an all-time high. Swimming is Ireland’s number two sport behind personal exercise and is the most popular sport for women and people with a disability. Yet more than half of facilities, and 73% of hotel pools, lack essential pool hoists accessibility is severely limited.

Waiting lists for swimming lessons exist at 67% of pools, while an aging infrastructure, lack of accessibility features, and unsustainable energy models threaten the potential of swimming across the island. Regional disparities are particularly acute, with no 50-meter pool in Connacht, forcing residents to travel an average of 100km.

“This report is a wake-up call,” stated Sarah Keane, CEO of Swim Ireland. “It lays bare the systemic challenges facing our swimming and aquatic infrastructure and puts a stark spotlight on the barriers preventing many Irish people from accessing the life-saving skill of swimming and the myriad health benefits that come with it. To fulfil our vision for ‘An Island of Swimmers,’ where every Irish person has a pool within reach, we need committed, coordinated investment and a strategic overhaul to turn this tide.”

The report outlines a robust “Call for Action” to address these critical gaps, urging investment in public pool provision, supporting universal accessibility, a defined plan for transitioning to energy-efficient heating solutions, and correcting severe regional imbalances.

Olympic and Double World Champion, Daniel Wiffen, recently returned from the European Short Course Championships where he picked up a gold medal and two bronze medals, emphasised the broader implications: “As an athlete, I know firsthand the importance of access to top-class facilities for development. But this isn’t just about elite sport; it’s about giving every child the chance to learn to swim, to be safe in and around water. The waiting lists, the lack of accessible pools, the long distances some have to travel – we need to do better. We are limiting potential. Investment in pools is an investment in our nation’s health and future.”

Mary McMorrow, who will step into the role of Interim CEO of Swim Ireland in January, highlighted the operational challenges: “The data in this report is unambiguous. We have an aging infrastructure, a reliance on privately-owned facilities that limit public access, and significant regional disparities. The operational complexities combined with the work needed around environment sustainability are further compounding the issue. Swim Ireland is ready to work with government and local authorities to implement the solutions outlined, from developing new operational models to ensuring every pool is accessible and energy efficient.”

The report calls for:

• Robust Public Pool Provision: Implement a dedicated, long-term capital programme to achieve 11m² of public pool space per thousand population.
• Universal Accessibility: Mandate and fund accessibility features, including pool hoists and appropriate signage.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Transition to energy-efficient heating solutions (e.g., heat pumps, solar panels).
• Address Regional Imbalance: Prioritise strategic investment for two new 50-meter pools in underserved regions, particularly Connacht and South Munster.
• Improved Operations: Develop alternative models for pool operation to enhance efficiency and public access.
• Uniform Design Guidelines: Establish consistent standards for new pool builds to manage costs and improve functionality.

 

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said:“Our National Sports Policy identifies swimming as an activity that can counteract the likely negative impact of our ageing population profile on participation levels generally, and as a result, swimming has been prioritised for particular attention and support. The development of Ireland’s first National Swimming Strategy in 2024 is a central tenet of this commitment. A key focus of the Strategy is on providing improved facilities, and today’s report from Swim Ireland will be crucial in this regard. Only yesterday, I was privileged to officially reopen Askeaton swimming pool after significant refurbishment and upgrade works, supported by a grant of over €1.26 million from my Department under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund. The renovation of these facilities, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability, is an example of how we need to review and redesign swimming facilities, to incorporate modern innovations and promote health and fitness for all ages and abilities for many years to come.”

 

Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD said:“I commend Swim Ireland for undertaking this comprehensive analysis of swimming pool provision in Ireland. The report is consistent with the public consultation that informed the development of the 2024 National Swimming Strategy, which suggested that existing swimming pool stock is insufficient. While Government has invested well over €1 billion in sports infrastructure and development since 2018, this report underlines the need for, not just additional investment, but also a sea change in the strategic planning of the building, operating and maintenance of our swimming facilities. This report will enable better decision-making and the targeting of investment more effectively, thus strengthening and supporting the sustainable growth and development of swimming in Ireland for years to come.”

Key Documents:

• Swimming Facilities Gap Analysis Report – Executive Summary
• Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report
• Swimming Facilities Gap Analysis Report – County by County Analysis

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