Kildare County Council 'cannot discuss' site locations for North Kildare swimming pool

Speculation continues around the proposed site for a swimming pool for North Kildare, with Celbridge Leixlip MD councillors calling on the council to disclose its plans for the much-anticipated project.

Cllr Bernard Caldwell (FF), who tabled a motion at a recent MD meeting, called for the council to consider locating the proposed swimming pool at Leixlip Amenities Sports Centre, in Leixlip, Co Kildare.

But following a less than favorable reply from Kildare County Council, Cllr Caldwell resigned to saying: “I'll be happy in a month's time when I get more information, and until then...I'll hope for the best.”

Cllr Nuala Killeen (SD) told the council that in “2008 or 2009”, Bertie Ahearn visited Leixlip and turned the sod at Leixlip Amenities, announcing a swimming pool for Leixlip.

The issue, she pointed out, has been going on for a number of years, with countless disappointments along the way.

There has been a lot of discussion in Leixlip about where the pool is going to be located, Cllr Killeen said, but it was really important “that everyone focuses their minds and agrees on a site.”

She said at this stage a timeline was needed for the pool, and the potential usage of it was demonstrated recently with the Leixlip 'pop-up' pool, which was a resounding success.

Putting forward a similarly-themed question on the issue, Cllr Lumi Panaite Fahey (FG) said she understood the possible site location could not be disclosed as yet, but she asked for a timeline for implementation of the pool, whether that be “a year, two years or a few months.”

Also supporting the motion, and speaking of his own related question, Cllr Rupert Heather said what is “critical” to remember is that this is not just a swimming pool for Leixlip, but is a swimming pool for all of North Kildare.

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The swimming pool would have a “huge impact” on children and families from Leixlip, Celbridge, Kilcock, and all surrounding areas, he said.

“The sooner we get clarity on where it's going to be and the sooner the whole issue of funding and deliveries is tidied up and we have progress on this, the better it will be for the area”, he said.

A report issued by the council said it “cannot discuss in detail” possible site locations assessed or under assessment for the swimming pool for North Kildare, “as to do so would prejudice any recent or ongoing discussion around this matter.”

The council remained “very committed” to the delivery of the project, it stated, having amassed over €6.5m in development contributions income for the purpose of constructing a swimming pool in North Kildare.

Kildare County Council is “continuing to assess the most viable site options”, the council stated.

The report concluded: “In addition, design options are under consideration to expedite delivery, when a suitable site becomes available.”