50 Metre Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project envisages the development of an outdoor heated swimming pool at the Shannon Estuary between Kilrush and Moneypoint.

The pool would be heated by hot water already generated by Moneypoint Power Station and would be open all year round.

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION & OBJECTIVES

There is no public swimming pool open all year round that is suitable for adult and children swimming and swimming lessons within 40km of Kilrush. The nearest public swimming pool is located in Ennis, 43km from Kilrush. A swimming pool in the Kilrush area would not only benefit the town but also the wider West Clare area. It would benefit physical as well as mental health and could become a major tourist attraction. In addition the pool could also be used as a training facility (e.g. for scuba diving) for the planned maritime training school. Employment opportunities would also come naturally with the development. The uniqueness of the project - a heated, outdoor, saltwater pool would be a major tourist attraction.

In addition to other funding opportunities, the upcoming offshore wind farm developments and associated community grants could be used to finance the project, presenting a unique opportunity to pursue a major project like this.

This project contributes to: 

• community

• health & well-being

• infrastructure

• tourism

(POTENTIAL) PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS

• Kilrush Town Team

• Future Lidos (Cork lido group for advice)

• Clare Co Co

• Clare Local Development Company (LEADER)

• Swim Ireland

• Irish Water Safety

• Moneypoint Power Station / ESB Group

• Offshore Wind Energy Companies