Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
Senator for Roscommon-Galway Aisling Dolan has told the Seanad she welcomes a funding boost for swimming pools in Roscommon and East Galway.
Fine Gael Senator, Aisling Dolan, has previously raised the issue of funding for Local Authorities to keep swimming pools open as income has been severely impacted for swimming pool operators due to public health measures as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.
She has welcomed the announcement for Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media, Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media and Minister of State for Sport and Gaeltacht Affairs, Jack Chambers TD, of a €2.5 million funding package for swimming pool operators across the country.
Minister Martin said: “While it is appreciated that this is a difficult time for swimming pool operators across the country. The funding announced today will provide financial stability to the sector in the uncertain months ahead. Earlier this year, I announced a significant increase in the budget for sport in 2021, which will provide further resilience to the sport sector as we look to emerge from the current crisis.”
It has been recognised that the changing environment of restrictions has resulted in uncertainty and difficulty in planning for swimming pool operators across the country. This has been taken into consideration by Government with funds being ring-fenced specifically to the address this issue.
Senator Dolan said that Roscommon Leisure Centre will receive €10,997 while Abbey Health & Fitness will be funded to the tune of €6,357, Shear Fitness will receive €6615 and Coral Leisure Centre in Ballinasloe will receive the sum of €10,738. “I welcome this funding to support swimming pool operators to continue to provide an essential service. Swimming is for all ages and abilities and it’s so crucial for community health and wellbeing especially during level five Covid-19 restrictions.”
