Kildare County Council hears discussion about swimming pool for Newbridge

An Independent councillor for the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) has enquired about the possibility of setting up a swimming pool in Newbridge.

Cllr Tom McDonnell made the request via a motion he submitted to Kildare County Council (KCC) at the latest MD meeting, which was held on Wednesday, July 17 last.

He motioned for KCC to outline 'any plans it has to provide a swimming pool for Newbridge.'

Cllr McDonnell’s motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Suzanne Doyle, and he also asked KCC if there was any possibility to fund a pop-up pool in the interim, via a potential partnership with a business or other organisation.

Cllr Doyle suggested that KCC could explore a potential partnership with K-Leisure.

Cllr McDonnell also said he was open to this idea.

However, KCC said via its report: "The three-year Capital Programme does not have a financial provision for a swimming pool in the MD.

"KCC is exploring the possibility of a pop-up pool, but this will be subject to the provision of a funding source, (i.e. Local Property Tax) and subject to the Department and Swim Ireland work programme."

Mayor of the MD, Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer, added: "It would likely come down to a private partnership with K-Leisure."

Independent Cllr Tom McDonnell. Photograph via Facebook.