Alternatives sought for local clubs during Mallow Swimming Pool works  

Alternative arrangements to allow local clubs who use Mallow Swimming Pool to avail of similar local facilities at no extra cost while extensive improvements and renovations are carried out have been sought by Cork North Central TD Ken O’Flynn.

The Independent Ireland chairman raised the matter in the Dáil, saying that the temporary closure of the pool on March 1 would “cause big problems for the community”.

He said local clubs now face unsustainable costs to continue their activities in hotel pools.

“These young people are learning to swim and training for competition — some of them hope to compete as Irish Olympians in the future.”

“The closure of Mallow Swimming Pool presents a major challenge for the people of Mallow,” he said in a statement issued after he raised the issue in the Dáil with Tánaiste Simon Harris.

In his response, the Tánaiste said he would raise the matter with the minister for sport.

“The Government must step up and provide the necessary funding to ensure that swimming clubs and community groups in Mallow can continue their activities without facing financial hardship,” he said, adding that he would also be raising the matter with Cork County Council in order to mitigate the impact of the swimming pool closure on the local community.