Multi-million upgrade to Wexford swimming pool will create a ‘landmark building’ capable of hosting national competitions

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Plans to substantially upgrade the facilities at the Ferrybank Leisure Centre have been revealed in a project which would see a swimming pool “worthy of national competitions” developed alongside new gyms and steam rooms. Designed by Co Mayo-based engineer Micheál Sheridan, the plans were unveiled at the January meeting of the Wexford Borough in County Hall.

Describing the current building as “functional”, a member of the design team explained how they had carried out a number of site visits prior to presenting their plans to the council.

“We want to create a landmark building for Wexford,” he said, “and this will see the expansion of the gym facilities, a new eight-lane 25m swimming pool, improved accessibility, and an upgrade of all existing facilities.”

Confirming that the centre would remain open while the works take place, the planner said the new gym would consist of an 180 square metre facility on the ground floor and a further 329 square metre gym on the first floor. There will also be a two treatment rooms on the first floor, a separate studio for fitness classes, a sauna and steam room, wellness suite, and a viewing gallery on the first floor which will “enhance supervision” for staff and family members.

The existing pool at the centre will be converted into a learner pool and will be situated alongside the new pool so that both can be supervised at the same time. And while the ambitious plans will see a complete overhaul of the facility, Wexford County Council (WCC) has confirmed that the pay as you go ethos will remain in place.

Following the presentation, Councillor Vicky Barron raised one issue of concern to the design team.

“As a school teacher I’ve brought hundreds, if not thousands, of children to Ferrybank Swimming Pool,” she said. “When the gym is in use during the day and you’ve got hundreds of children in the swimming pool there is a fear around child-protection. Adults may be getting changed in the same environment as children, could we consider that during the planning stage?”

"There will be more substantial changing areas upstairs for the gym,” replied Mr Sheridan. “And when we get into the nuts and bolts of the project those things will become fluid and we can guarantee that best practises will be adhered to.”

Currently a board member at the centre as well as an active member, Cllr Biddy Walsh admitted that the existing facilities were in need of a significant upgrade.

“I use the aqua aerobics and, for those who use the facility, I would have to say it’s not fit for purpose, the place is heaving with people,” she said. “It’s thriving though, which is a good thing, and the staff are second to none.”

Pressed for an overall costing, Mr Sheridan said that phase one of the project will cost €2m-€3m with phases two and three expected to cost “substantially more”.