Our campaign for a pool for West Wicklow started in July 2018 in response to the lack of swimming facilities in West Wicklow.
The Baltinglass Municipal District (MD) is the only MD in Wicklow without a Council operated swimming pool. There are also no privately run swimming pools in the Municipal District. This leaves a population of 26,167 people (according to 2016 Census figures) with no access to local swimming facilities.
An online petition in favour of the provision of swimming facilities in West Wicklow received over 1,000 signatures in its first 24 hours. At the time it was submitted to Wicklow County Council, in late 2018, it had received over 2,600 signatures from online and hard copy signature collections. This is approximately 10% of the population of West Wicklow.
As our campaign gained pace we received support from TDs across Wicklow as well as local County Councillors. We reached out to local schools, businesses, sports clubs and community groups and worked together to demonstrate the far reaching benefits that the development of a swimming pool in West Wicklow would have for the community here. We also carried out an online survey to find out how often people from West Wicklow go swimming, where do they go and how much do they spend at swimming pools per annum.
Following this research and with our campaign gaining momentum we were invited to meet with Wicklow County Council in December 2018 to discuss their plan to commission a feasibility study into a pool for West Wicklow. This initial Feasibility Study was carried out in February/March 2019 and we contributed research and information to it.
The Feasibility Study findings in favour of a pool for West Wicklow were presented to Wicklow County Council and local County Councillors in April 2019. The study recommended the development of a 25m swimming pool with a 10m children’s pool, health suite, fitness gym, changing village and group changing facilities. Following the report, Wicklow County Council committed to seeking funding from the Department of Sport for the development of a pool for West Wicklow.
To celebrate our campaign turning 1 year old we hosted a Family Fun Day at Russborough House in August 2019. This was also the formal launch of our fundraising campaign for a pool for West Wicklow.
In January 2020 we made a submission to Wicklow County Council to have a swimming pool for West Wicklow included in the upcoming Wicklow County Development Plan (CDP). Our submission included over 49 letters of support from local families, schools, sports & community groups, businesses, Wicklow County Councillors and TDs.
In June 2020 we received confirmation from Wicklow County Council, in the Chief Executive’s review and response to all CDP submissions, that WCC were committed to developing a swimming pool in West Wicklow and that it would be included in the upcoming Wicklow CDP.
This will be the first time in over 50 years that a swimming pool for West Wicklow will be included in the Wicklow County Development Plan.
With the help of our partnerships with Water Safety Ireland, East Coast FM and Abbey Creative, as well as the support we receive from all corners of our West Wicklow community and businesses we will continue to campaign for the development of a pool for West Wicklow
Deirdre McCormack is the Chairperson of the Community Pool for West Wicklow Campaign.
Following the birth of their first daughter, Deirdre and her husband moved to Blessington where they now live with their three young children.
In 2016, with almost ten years experience in the Irish Theatre industry and time spent working in the area of animal rescue, Deirdre made the decision to become a stay at home parent. This has been her hardest job but also her most rewarding.
Deirdre founded the campaign for a pool for West Wicklow in July 2018 following conversations with fellow local parents about the need for a swimming pool in the area. Since then she has worked to highlight the far-reaching benefits that a local swimming pool would have for the West Wicklow Community.
“Swimming is an inclusive sport that everyone can take part in regardless of their age, gender, physical or mental ability. Swimming is also a life skill which could one day save your life. By working together as a community, involving local businesses, sports clubs, community groups, our elected representatives and Wicklow County Council, we will be successful in ensuring the development of a pool for West Wicklow.”
Jane Nolan is Secretary for the Community Pool for West Wicklow Campaign.
Born in Dublin, Jane has lived in West Wicklow for 12 years, firstly in Blessington before moving 3 years ago to Tuckmill Cross, Baltinglass.
Jane is currently Press Officer at the Department of Defence, and is honoured to be part of this campaign to facilitate the provision of such an essential resource for the people of West Wicklow. As a mother, a public servant and a swimmer from a very young age, Jane passionately believes that having a pool for our communities must be a priority. For leisure, for health and well-being, and for safety.
Marion McNally is Co-Treasurer for The Community Pool for West Wicklow campaign.
Living in Blessington 18 years with her husband and 2 children (not so little at 21 & 16 years
old) Marion’s background is in the Early Years Education sector.
Since moving to Blessington Marion has volunteered in numerous community groups as her
children grew up, such as The Beavers, Scouts, GAA, Youth club and most recently
representing The Community Pool for West Wicklow Committee on The Blessington &
District Forum .
Sue Rossiter is Co-Treasurer for the Community Pool for West Wicklow Campaign.
Born in Dublin, Sue moved to Blessington in 2006 with her parents and sisters and has since moved into her own home with her husband and daughter Ruby who is 7 years old.
Sue studied Biomedical Science in DIT Kevin Street and then began her career as a Senior Biomedical Scientist in Tallaght University Hospital.
Sue volunteers in numerous community groups such as Blessington and District Forum, Blessington Town Team, Blessington Access Group, Blessington Women’s Shed and of course The Community Pool for West Wicklow Campaign.
Sue feels that all communities deserve equal opportunities and hopes that the people of West Wicklow will get their well deserved community swimming pool in the not too distant future.
“I have seen through the years the importance of being involved in the community we live in,
to support it so it flourishes and grows with our children. The Community Pool for West
Wicklow Campaign is the most rewarding campaign I have been involved with to date. The
development of a Community Pool for West Wicklow will benefit everyone in our community
young and old. I am more than happy to help have their voices heard by our elected
representatives and Wicklow County Council until such a time as they deliver our much
needed swimming pool.”
David McKay joined the Community Pool for West Wicklow Committee in 2019.
Originally from Dublin, David and his wife moved to Blessington in 2008. He is self-
employed as a building contractor and has worked in the family business since his
teens.
David has a great interest in health and fitness and is very keen to support the
Community Pool for West Wicklow Campaign in any way he can.
As a builder and frequent gym goer he is well equipped to help out with the heavy
lifting whenever required and is looking forward to the next campaign fundraiser
where he can show off his superpowers.
