Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, has said that he intends to intensify his efforts to deliver a public swimming pool and associated facilities in his hometown of Carrickmacross.
The delivery of a Swimming Pool in the Farney town has "long been" a priority objective for the local TD, and this week Deputy Carthy said that he believes an opportunity may present for its delivery.
A 'National Swimming Strategy' is currently being developed which Deputy Carthy believes may create the conditions for Monaghan County Council to secure grant funding that will be essential if such a project is to reach fruition.
Speaking to Northern Sound on this issue, Deputy Carthy revealed that it has long been an ambition of his to see the delivery of a modern Public Swimming Pool and associated facilities in Carrickmacross. He added that a Public Swimming Pool and associated facilities would be a "huge addition" to a town of Carrickmacross' size.
"Since my first election as a local councillor, I believe that the arguments in favour of such a development have been incredibly strong, but they are stronger now than ever," he explained.
“Unfortunately, the only way a swimming pool of the scale required can be developed is via government capital grant assistance to the local authority. Such grant aid is not available at present since the closure of the Large Sport Infrastructure Fund in 2019, a fund that itself was very restrictive.
“However, the imminent finalisation of the ‘National Swimming Strategy’ is likely to lead to a new investment programme. A local swimming pool committee had previously fund-raised for a feasibility study and that funding is likely to be made available when a new grant mechanism is in place.
“It will be important that all relevant stakeholders are on board; crucially Monaghan County Council, local sports clubs and schools, and the people of Carrickmacross; so that we are ready to seize any opportunities that come our way in this regard."
