No planning permission granted prior to funding application for west Wicklow pool
The Wicklow PeopleWicklow County Council has responded to reports that key documents were not submitted as part of a funding application for a swimming pool in west Wicklow.
The local authority missed out on the latest round of the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) last year, with plans for the swimming pool having already been rejected for the first round of LSSIF in 2019.
The 2019 application sought design funding, while the 2024 application looked for funding towards a ‘swimming pool build’.
The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport wrote to the Council seeking title documentation for the project as part of the review process; however, this was not received and, as a result, the project was not eligible for LSSIF funding.
As set out in the guidelines all LSSIF grantees must provide proof of title to be eligible for the funding.
One of four Wicklow projects to miss out on a pot of €173 million, the application came after work by local community groups and sports clubs. A swimming pool for west Wicklow was included as a priority in the latest County Development Plan and the campaign also made a submission to the Local Area Plan for Blessington, alongside other clubs in the area.
The group partnered with Swim Ireland and Wicklow County Council to bring a pop-up pool to Blessington for three months in 2022, which enabled over 600 children a week the opportunity to learn how to swim with adult swim lessons and aqua-Fit classes proving popular with all age groups in the community.
The issue was raised during the October meeting of Baltinglass Municipal District when director of services Theresa O’ Brien provided more clarity on what happened.
“Wicklow County Council could not provide title documents at the time as an exact site had not been identified. No planning permission had been approved for the proposal.”
“My understanding is that a Part 8, the planning permission required on council land, was not applied for. This would be an important step in the process and that never happened so we would need to revisit this. There was a lot of pressure on submitting the application.”
Cllr Jason Mulhall said this latest development is concerning.
“I believe that this is somewhat irresponsible on part of the council. The town and district are being let down. It feels like there is a pattern emerging.
We’ve seen already inaction and poor management in relation to the HSE building in Donard and the Blessington Greenway. This is happening because of inadequate planning.”
Both Cllrs Peter Stapleton and Avril Cronin believe it will be important that the facts are verified and that no misinformation is being spread online, while Cllr Patsy Glennon felt the council deserved time and space to provide a comprehensive right of reply.
In response Ms O’ Brien said they will revisit the project again in the future.
“Wicklow County Council remains fully committed to progressing the development of a swimming pool in West Wicklow and will continue to engage constructively with the Department to advance this important project for the community.”
“The council does intend to apply for the scheme again, subject to funding to enable a study to determine an appropriate site.” she added.
The campaign for the development of a swimming pool in west Wicklow is now in its seventh year and during this time has received cross-party political support from local councillors and TDs.