Wicklow to get €25,000 outdoor swimming facilities upgrade
The Wicklow PeopleNew funding has been announced for outdoor swimming facilities in Wicklow.
Wicklow County Council will receive €25,000 to install two MOBI beach mats and provide two beach wheelchairs for use in Wicklow town, Brittas Bay and Bray.
The funding announcement is part of a nationwide initiative to improve access at designated outdoor swimming locations.
These accessibility improvements are designed to support people of all ages and abilities including those with reduced mobility to enjoy swimming safely and comfortably at local beaches.
The mat, which is 100 metres long, provides access onto the beach via a concrete ramp and runs parallel to the shoreline. A similar initiative was successfully rolled-out in Greystones in 2019.
The access mat for Greystones was funded through Wicklow Sports Partnership from the Healthy Ireland Fund and local Municipal District members Discretionary Fund.
At the time they were widely welcomed as a positive addition to the beach.
Wicklow County Council confirmed that it was the first step in improving access for all to South Beach.
It provides improved access to the beach for all, including those less mobile such as toddlers, the elderly, wheelchair users and parents with buggies.
The new batch of funding in 2025 is being delivered through the Healthy Ireland initiative, supported by the Department of Health and Sport Ireland.
The aim is to enhance outdoor swimming infrastructure nationwide so that approved locations can welcome more swimmers, particularly during peak months.
Works in Wicklow will be carried out by the local authority and Local Sports Partnership in advance of the 2026 swimming season.
MOBI Mats have been installed on beaches around the world, enabling people with disabilities and those with children to travel freely from land to sea with ease.
The mat is made from durable recycled polyester fibres which don’t contaminate the environment or water.
Cllr Paul O’Brien has welcomed the announcement and says, “it will make sure more people will have access to the beach and outdoor swimming opportunities in the county”.
Meanwhile Tánaiste and Wicklow TD, Simon Harris says the investment will make accessing our beaches easier and more inclusive.
“It ensures that more people in our community can experience the simple joy of being in the water and spending time in these special places.”
“It is a small but meaningful improvement that strengthens local wellbeing and community life.” he added.