Much done but ‘real work’ yet to come – MPAG chair

The real work in securing a new fit for purpose swimming pool for the town of Mullingar is yet to come.

That’s according to Lisa Corcoran, the chair of the Mullingar Pool Action Group, established last October to campaign for a new swimming pool for the town that will meet the current and future needs of the community.

Over the last 12 months, the group has met with Westmeath County Council and Swim Ireland on a number of occasions and their campaign has also gained the support of local councillors and TDs.

The design and planning phase of the multi-million euro project, which incorporates a swimming pool into a larger regional sports complex, and is being funded by money set aside by local councillors from their annual budget, was put out to tender earlier in the year, and it is hoped that a contractor will be appointed in the coming weeks.

There will then be a public consultation phase of two to three weeks during which individuals and groups, such as the MPAG, can make submissions.

It is hoped that a Part 8 planning application, which county councillors will vote on, will be lodged in the spring of next year and that the planning phase will be completed in time to apply for the next round of funding under the government’s Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) .

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, MPAG chair Lisa says that while she and her fellow campaigners are proud of what they have achieved in a relatively short space of time, their campaign is still in its infancy.

“As a group, we have worked extremely hard. I’d like to thank all of the other committee members for their efforts. We have been supported by local politicians, especially Minister Peter Burke and Deputy Robert Troy, and have also been supported by Swim Ireland, who have helped us highlight the need for such facilities in Mullingar.

“However, Westmeath County Council have been key to all the progress that has been made. They have been very receptive and supportive.

“We are genuinely excited and look forward to the next chapter in the campaign. Our main objective from day one was to advocate for the provision of a fit for purpose swimming pool that will cater to the needs of the greater Mullingar area. If it is delivered it will give a huge sense of pride to the town.

“It is important that any new facility is accessible to all and that it will be for everyone in the community.

“We have done a lot, but the real work is yet to come.”

Minister Peter Burke praised MPAG for the “huge contribution they have put in to energise and reactivate the campaign to secure a world class swimming pool in Mullingar, their work has been incredible”.

“We are working hard to secure a capital funding stream at central government. I hope that through the work we are doing with the council that the project will be shovel ready by summer next year. If that is the case, then hopefully the Large Scale Sporting Investment Programme will be opened. That will be the mechanism to fund the project.”

Deputy Robert Troy also praised MPAG for “coming together and working in such a collaborative positive way”.

“In a short year, they have brought the development of a new pool centre stage, where we are now ready to issue tenders for a design and build of a facility.

“This was not on the agenda last year as we were waiting for an appeal on large scale sports funding – now, thanks to the focus brought to the issue, the council are using some of the ring fenced monies to advance the project.

“It’s been a busy year with regular engagements with the council, Swim Ireland, a trip to the UK (to visit a similar project), meeting Minister of Sport Jack Chambers and the Tánaiste. The group are a pleasure to work with and I look forward to the year ahead.”