Progress on shelter at Diving Boards

A tender process has begun for construction of a shelter for swimmers at the diving board at Lough Owel, Cllrs Bill Collentine and Julie McCourt were informed at the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad.

Cllr Collentine had requested an update on when work would commence and received a written response stating that the project has commenced as provided for in the 2024 estimates and Sports Partnership Outdoor Swimming Facilities Funding.

The response went on to add that an ecologist has been commissioned for the work, as the location is within the Special Area of Conservation.

A similar response was given to Cllr McCourt, who had asked that the district provide shelter and lighting for swimmers using the diving board and the lake at that area.

Cllr McCourt asked if separate male and female facilities were being provided, and was told that was not happening, and that lighting is not being installed.

Cllr McCourt remarked that in the past, there had been two shelters there and she believed they were removed because of antisocial behaviour. She wondered it that was likely to be a problem once more when the new shelter is constructed.

Director of services, Deirdre Riley, stated that there had been some resistance to the installation of a shelter in the first place but there was demand there and the people had spoken and that’s what they wanted.

Continuing,she said that if there are problems there, the issue will be raised with the gardaí.

Cllr Aoife Davitt welcomed the news of progress at the site, and suggested that the council should also consider erecting more signage there including signs just to make people aware of the need to protect their valuables if using the amenity.