Funding boost for 11 Mayo swimming pool operators
FUNDING relief of €88,232 has been announced for 11 swimming pool operators in Mayo who have been severely hit by the pandemic.
The funding will help pool operators continue to provide safe and essential service which is vital to sustain swimming and maintain high physical activity levels.
The following were deemed eligible for receipt of the Covid-19 Swimming Pool Grant Fund 2020:
Ballina Swimming Pool €7,302
Breaffy Leisure Centre €10,739
Castle Leisure Club, The Westport Plaza and Castlecourt Hotel Resort €8,162
Castle Leisure Club, Barcastle Industries Ltd., €5,241
Claremorris Leisure Centre €11,942
Kilmovee Swimming & Aqua Sports €5,756
Mount Falcon Leisure & Spa €4,725
Spa Salveo Knockranny House Hotel €6,100
Westport Coast Hotel €5,928
Westport Leisure Park €9,966
Leisure Complex at Lough Lannagh €12,371
Deputy Dillon said 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 address this issue.
He commented: “The recognition of government around the operational and financial difficulties, with the high energy costs of maintaining swimming pools whilst closed, and the challenges of re-opening with reduced capacities is appreciated. This funding will provide some much-needed financial assistance to the private swimming pool operators and give organisations the confidence to continue trading through these difficult times.”
The investment is part of a €2.5 million funding package for swimming pool operators across the country announced by Minister of State for Sport and Gaeltacht Affairs, Jack Chambers.
Sport Ireland has appointed Ireland Active, the representative body for the leisure, health, and fitness sector, to administer the swimming pool grant scheme 2020, supported by Swim Ireland.
Added Deputy Dillon: “Swimming pool operators have demonstrated their resilience throughout the ongoing pandemic. It is important that this resilience continues into the weeks and months ahead as we look to emerge from this crisis."
Deputy Michael Ring also welcomed the announcement, saying: “Swimming pools provide a vital resource for clubs and communities across Mayo and this funding will enable swimming pool operators to continue to provide a safe and essential service to sustain swimming and keep people active.”