Design team appointed for Carrickmacross swimming pool as funding options detailed

Monaghan County Council has selected a site and appointed a design team to progress a planned public swimming pool in Carrickmacross, Dáil Éireann heard.

During a debate on community amenities, Deputy Matt Carthy confirmed that the local authority has established a steering committee and designated land for the project, following sustained local demand demonstrated by a temporary pool operated alongside Swim Ireland. Deputy Carthy called on central government to clarify capital funding pathways to allow the municipal project to proceed to delivery.

Responding for the Government, Minister of State Thomas Byrne stated that the Community Sport Facilities Fund remains open for applications until February and will prioritise swimming pool developments. Byrne noted that while councils must lead municipal projects, the Department also operates the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Although administrative focus remains on delivering projects under the first two LSSIF rounds, a future round is being examined. Byrne added that Sport Ireland serves as a statutory consultee for local development plans, encouraging local authorities to partner with national governing bodies on integrated multisport facilities.