Funding of €25k confirmed for changing facilities at Dunmoran Strand and Mullaghmore beaches

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

There has been a widespread welcome for the news of funding allocation for changing shelters at Mullaghmore and Dunmoran Strand Beaches.

Funding of €25,000 has been allocated as part of a €330,000 Healthy Ireland fund for outdoor swimming facilities across the country. This allocation will provide funding for the installation of two concrete changing shelters with seating, one concrete shower unit, and associated civil works.

Welcoming the funding allocation, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin said, “These developments reflect the growing appreciation of outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of community life.”

Minister Harkin continued, “This investment will strengthen the infrastructure of our coastal and lakeside amenities, making them more accessible for all, including people with reduced mobility. It’s an important contribution to physical and mental wellbeing and also adds to our tourism offering in the northwest.”

The Minister praised the collaboration between the Department of Health, Sport Ireland, Swim Ireland, and local authorities, describing the initiative as “a clear example of joined-up thinking that benefits communities directly.”

“From Rossnowlagh to Drumshanbo, from Mullaghmore to Dunmoran, this funding celebrates our region’s rich natural assets and supports the health and happiness of the people who live here. It’s something we can all dive into and be proud of,” Minister Harkin concluded.

Frank Feighan TD has also welcomed the funding of €330,000 to assist local authorities in their quest to upgrade many of their outdoor swimming pools and facilities.

This is the second year of the scheme which aims to make Ireland’s approved outdoor swimming locations more accessible, enabling more people to enjoy the health benefits of outdoor swimming.

The disbursement of this funding will be carried out by Sport Ireland on behalf of the Department of Health, in line with their vision of an active Ireland where everyone can enjoy the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity.

In Leitrim, Cleighran More Pier, Ballianglera is a fantastic facility developed some years ago by Waterways Ireland, €13,000 has been allocated for the development of new changing facilities and a covered seated area.

Meanwhile in Sligo, Dunmoran Strand and Mullaghmore Beaches has secured funding for the installation of two concrete changing shelters with seating, one concrete shower unit, and associated civil works to the grant value of €25,000.

“I want to thank the local sports partnerships and local authorities for submitting on behalf of Ballinaglera, Mullaghmore and Dunmoran, I hope to see many more people to get out swimming and using these facilities which make it much more comfortable and accessible” concluded Deputy Feighan.

Swimming locations in 17 local authority areas will each receive allocations, supporting the provision and upgrade of handrails, swim shelters, access ladders, safety notice boards, shower facilities and beach wheelchairs.

These enhancements will make these approved locations more accessible, particularly for people with reduced mobility, and will build on the progress made since the scheme was introduced in 2024

Cllr Thomas Walsh said, “Funding for improvements at our amenity areas is critical and I welcome this allocation for Sligo. These facilities are used daily by the local community, visitors and tourists and it is vital we continue to invest in them to ensure they are safe, accessible, and user-friendly.

“These enhancements will make these approved locations more accessible, particularly for people with reduced mobility, and will build on the progress being made at our many outdoor facilities in Sligo.

“The disbursement of this funding will be carried out by Sport Ireland on behalf of the Department of Health, in line with their vision of an active Ireland where everyone can enjoy the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.