€15,000 has been allocated to our locality under the Outdoor Swimming Fund.
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, local TD Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, is today announcing 17 across the country which will take a share of a €330,000 pot which aims to make approved locations more accessible, allowing as many as possible to enjoy the health benefits of swimming.
€10,000 is coming to designated bathing areas on the River Barrow in Carlow to help with the installation of rescue ring buoys, throwlines and boards as well as safety notices. A further €5,000 is earmarked for the provision of a hippocampe buggy and personal flotation devices for The Weir in Kilkenny City, Thomastown, Inistioge and Graignamanagh.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said: “We are lucky to have fantastic outdoor swimming amenities at rivers, lakes, beaches and outdoor pools. This Healthy Ireland initiative will enable more people to access these amenities and to reap the physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits associated with outdoor swimming. I know Local Sports Partnerships all around the country, from Galway to Wicklow and from Donegal to Cork, will be busy implementing improvements over the next few months so that they are ready to welcome many more swimmers for the 2026 season.”
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sport Ireland, Dr Úna May, said: “Sport Ireland is very happy to once again work with the Minister on this brilliant initiative. The main vision of the National Swimming Strategy is to give everyone the chance to swim, regardless of age, background, or ability – and the supports provided by this funding will be vital in enabling more people to do just that. As highlighted by Irish Sports Monitor 2024, swimming is the second most popular participation sport in the country. Outdoor swimming truly brings people together. The range of approved locations across rivers, lakes and coastal spots give everyone the chance to dive in – making swimming accessible and enjoyable for communities right across the country. Not only does outdoor swimming have the potential to unite people from all walks of life, it also provides the unique wellbeing benefits that come from being active in the open air. During the past year our network of Local Sports Partnerships worked effectively with the Local Authorities in 2024 and we look forward to once more working together with Healthy Ireland and Swim Ireland to build on these successes.”
Swim Ireland CEO, Sarah Keane said: “Swim Ireland is proud to have supported the Minister, the Department of Health, and Sport Ireland in selecting impactful initiatives from applications nationwide. Supporting increased Open Water opportunities and access is an important element of the National Swimming Strategy and there is a huge interest in this area signified by the number of submissions on open water received during the development of the Strategy. Our country is blessed with an incredible variety of seas, lakes, and rivers, offering stunning locations for outdoor swimming. By making these spaces more accessible, we can encourage greater participation, promote the health and wellbeing of our communities and realise Swim Ireland’s vision for ‘an island of swimmers’.
Full list to benefit
