Funding of €115,000 has been announced to develop a gym at the new Dunmanway Swimming Pool.
FUNDING of €115,000 has been announced to develop a gym at the new Dunmanway Swimming Pool.
And a local businessman said he hoped this would mean opening hours at the facility would now be extended.
The funding is being made available through the Capital Sports Grant programme which is making over €1.5m available to sports clubs in Cork South West.
Speaking to The Southern Star, Peter Walsh, who runs a shop near the swimming pool, said it was great news for the €5.5m facility, which opened in May.
‘That was the plan originally that a gym would also be provided and people were disappointed when this didn’t happen. This money will now go towards finishing internal works and providing equipment and there is no date set yet for the completion,’ said Peter.
‘Hopefully now, with the addition of a gym, the opening hours might be extended. At present the pool closes at 3pm on Sunday which is ridiculous – there’s a definite need for longer opening hours, especially during the winter months.’
Peter added that Dunmanway Swimming Pool is a ‘fabulous facility’ which has so much potential to offer the people of Dunmanway and the surrounding areas.
‘There is also a need for a coffee shop here and there is an allocated space there for one to be developed.’
At a meeting of the Municipal District of West Cork in Clonakilty this week, Cllr Mary Hegarty (FG) also welcomed the funding allocated for a gym in Dunmanway pool, as well as to other sports clubs in Bantry and around West Cork.
‘It’s absolutely fantastic as all that money is so important for sports groups across West Cork and it’s all helping,’ said Cllr Hegarty.
Some of the clubs in West Cork that will benefit from the funding include Kinsale GAA who will receive €95,000, Valley Rovers €115,000 and Gabriel Rangers €96,000.
Cork South West TD Jim Daly congratulated all clubs and organisations that received the vital funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
