Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton TD has today announced a new €500,000 funding scheme for outdoor swimming facilities across Ireland.
Grants of up to €30,000 will be awarded for projects that enable broader participation in outdoor swimming, such as improving access, developing and enhancing changing facilities and procuring equipment to assist people with disabilities.
The funding will be administered by Sport Ireland on behalf of the Department of Health, with applications open from tomorrow Friday 5 April to Friday 17 May, in order to facilitate the commencement of works ahead of the summer season.
Minister Naughton said “The popularity of outdoor swimming really has grown in recent years, and as a regular swimmer myself, I’m keenly aware of its many benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing. With a view to embracing the growing appetite for outdoor swimming across the country, I was delighted to secure €500,000 in funding as an initial phase of this new scheme in Budget 2024.
“This funding will support improvements that will make Ireland’s rich network of outdoor bathing spots more accessible to more people. Our ambition is to boost opportunities for people of all ages to come together to enjoy physical activity.
“Swimming along our wonderful beaches and beautiful lakes is not only good for body and mind, it also enhances the social fabric of our communities around the country. I am really excited to see successful projects active and ready for use across Ireland as early as this summer.”
Swim Ireland CEO, Sarah Keane said “I would like to thank the Minister for her commitment to the National Swimming Strategy, through immediate action, by providing this funding support to the Local Authorities and Local Sports Partnerships.
“Swim Ireland is delighted to work with them and Sport Ireland to provide guidance and direction as to what might assist in increasing Open Water participation, and how to make it more accessible. It is great to live in a country where we have access to such incredible outdoor spaces and where public health and wellbeing is a central consideration in a Ministerial portfolio.”
(Source: Gov.ie)
