Upgrade of facilities for swimmers at Deadman’s Point unlikely until next year

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Upgrades to a popular swimming area in Rosses Point are unlikely to carried out until next year, a meeting of Sligo County Council was told.

The council has been thanked for its perseverance as it attempts to progress plans to upgrade facilities at Deadman’s Point, Rosses Point.

The meeting heard significant matters must be addressed as the popular swimming location is situated in a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area.

Outlining the need for an upgrade in facilities Cllr Bree explained, “With the significant increase in people participating in year-round sea swimming following the pandemic it became clear that there was a need to improve facilities at Deadman’s Point.

“I first brought the matter to the attention of Council officials back in October 2022 when I was contacted by swimmers who highlighted the need for a shelter or covered area which would give them protection when changing in inclement weather. Some type of shower facility was also requested in addition to general improvements including the replacement of ladders at the pool.

"At our meeting in November 2022 I tabled a motion on the issue and following that meeting council engineers began the process of investigating the feasibility of carrying out improvements and identifying potential funding for the project.”

Cllr Bree explained funding was secured for the improvement works but he acknowledged he was always aware that as a result of the Deadman’s Point being located in a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area “significant issues would have to be addressed so as to comply with the law before the Council could even consider carrying out any of the proposed improvement works.”

Cllr Bree concluded, “I am very much aware of the numerous onsite meetings with the representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and with the Environmental Consultants. It would now appear that a Natura Impact Statement may need to be carried out and I note from the report we have been provided with that it will probably be 2026 before the upgrades are carried out.”