Mayo outdoor swimming initiatives receive funding

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has announced €400,000 in funding under the Healthy Ireland Outdoor Swimming Initiative.

This continued investment will support the development of safe, accessible outdoor swimming locations across the country, building on the success of the initiative in previous years.

The funding will support projects in 17 local authority areas nationwide, improving infrastructure at outdoor swimming locations including rivers, lakes, beaches and outdoor pools. Two Mayo outdoor swimming locations will receive funding: Cross Beach, Louisburgh, and River Brusna, Ballina. A total of €20,000 will be provided to help these Mayo locations provide shelters, accessibility and safety equipment. The initiative aims to make these locations more accessible, enabling more people to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor swimming.

Minister Murnane O’Connor said: “Outdoor swimming offers significant physical and mental health benefits, and this investment will help more people of all ages and abilities to enjoy these amenities in their local communities. I look forward to seeing these improvements delivered in advance of the 2026 season.”