Pools in Kells and Trim get funding for upgrades

Funding of €280,000 for swimming pools in Kells and Trim has been announced as part of the third round of grants under the Disabled Access and Energy Upgrade Schemes. The money will be used to provide wheelchair accessibility and to improve the heating systems at both facilities. Last year, Kells Swimming Pool received €20,570, and this year it is in line for a further €240,460, bringing the total allocation for Kells to €261,030. Meanwhile, Trim Leisure Centre has already received €36,120 and a further €40,380 has been made available this year, bringing its total to €76,500. Deputy Shane McEntee said he was very pleased at the decision to invest a further €281,000 in upgrading both swimming pools. "Kells pool is an important recreational and health amenity for people living in the northern part of the county," he said. Cllr Sarah Reilly said that, as a former employee of the Kells Swimming Pool, she was delighted for the staff, the customers of the pool and the people of Kells. "€240,000 is a significant grant to receive. I am absolutely over the moon for the staff. It is a fantastic recognition of the work they do. Having worked in Kells Pool for many years," she said. "I know how hard the staff work to make the facility accessible to as a broad a spectrum as possible. From keeping its price very competitive to providing hoist machinery, the staff ensure that everyone in the community can enjoy the fun and benefits of swimming. The €240,000 funding will also make a difference to the swimming experience of the customers of the pool." She recalled that, last year, the pool received just €20,000 in the first round of funding and she was very quick to express her disappointment to the Department and to local representatives. "I am delighted they listened. In 2011, Kells Swimming Pool had 82,432 customers. So far this year, the pool has had 30,689 customers. The pool is so popular because it accommodates everyone - adults, children, families, the actively retired and disabled people. "With the number of customers it serves yearly, there can be no doubt that funding to Kells Swimming Pool is money well spent," Cllr Reilly said. The funding has been welcomed by Fine Gael Meath West TD Ray Butler who said the funds would make an enormous difference to both facilities and would allow for upgrades and improvements to be made to the amenities to the benefit of all who use them. "Ensuring that our pool and public leisure centres are fit for purpose, that they are accessible to those with disabilities and that they are run as energy efficiently as possible is paramount. These funds will be used to do just that," he said. The funding allocation for Trim Swimming Pool has also been welcomed by Fine Gael area councillor Joe Fox, who said: "I was contacted by Damien English, TD, with the good news that Trim Swimming Pool, through Meath County Council, was approved for inclusion in the programme of funding to improve access for people with disabilities, as well as a Green Swimming Pool initiative to make the pools across Ireland more energy efficient and less reliant on State support. "This round of funding brings the total awarded to Trim Swimming Pool to €76,500. This is excellent news indeed for the residents of Trim and the users of the pool."