All About Cork: Horgan calls for dedicated funding to upgrade Gus Healy Pool

Labour Party Cork City Councillor Peter Horgan has renewed his call for a full upgrade of the Gus Healy Swimming Pool at Ballinlough, following the publication of the national Swim Ireland Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report.

“The Gus Healy Swimming Pool is well overdue for an upgrade,” said Cllr Horgan.

“It is in the ownership of the local authority and services a large number of schools and clubs in the immediate area, and what many people say to me is that it feels like the forgotten pool. It deserves to be state-of-the-art.

“It was one of my first motions to seek its upgrade and any movement has been dependent on the gap analysis. We have that analysis now time for funding.”

Across Ireland there is now one public pool for every 81,053 people — a ratio far below international norms.

The Swim Ireland Gap Analysis identifies serious regional imbalance: in the entire South Munster area — including Cork city and county — there is no 50m (Olympic-size) pool.

Cork City Council currently lists only three municipal public pools: Douglas (Gus Healy), Bishopstown and Churchfield.

These limited facilities must serve the entire population of a major city — including schools, clubs, families, older people and people with disabilities — creating unsustainable demand.

“Given this — and with many pools ageing or privately operated, where public access is often restricted — Cork’s aquatic infrastructure cannot meet current demand, let alone future needs.

“The national report highlights growing pressure, long waiting lists, limited accessibility, and insufficient capacity for competitive sport or specialised therapeutic use.

“If we are serious about competing in Olympics, Paralympics, World Championships and other international galas, we need a better swimming pool setup here in the Ballinlough–Douglas area, which is locally supported,” continued Mr Horgan.

“It is critical to encourage active lifestyles at all ages too, along with socialisation across generations.”

Mr Horgan said a modern upgrade must also reflect community health needs.

“We cannot ignore the importance of hydrotherapy. Countless families, older people, and people recovering from injury or living with chronic conditions rely on warm-water therapeutic exercise — and Cork simply does not have enough hydrotherapy capacity.

“A redeveloped Gus Healy Pool must include proper hydrotherapy facilities as part of a truly inclusive, modern aquatic centre.

“Upgrading the pool and expanding it into a modern, high-capacity facility (ideally including 50m pool capability and accessible hydrotherapy provision) — would directly address the infrastructural deficit highlighted in the national report, while safeguarding a vital community asset that has served thousands on the southside for decades.

“So many people raise this issue with me. We need a proper pool for our community."

He confirmed he will seek in the new year from the chief executive an all-out council effort to secure funding specifically for the redevelopment and expansion of the Gus Healy Swimming Pool.

“This coordinated approach would establish a unified Council position focused on obtaining the necessary Government and national-programme investment to deliver a state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Ballinlough — capable of meeting community, school, club, elite-sport and hydrotherapy/rehabilitation needs.

“The evidence is now there in black and white,” Mr Horgan added.

“The need is proven, the community demand is clear, and Cork cannot afford to fall further behind. We need to get this funding in place as soon as possible.”

Jobs well done

Rebels’ Bounty winner

Douglas GAA Club would like to congratulate Rebel’s Bounty winner and club supporter, Kevin Spillane, who claimed fourth prize of €1,000 in December’s draw.

The club would like to thank all members who supported the club by purchasing a Rebel’s Bounty ticket.

They look forward to your support again in the next year.

Their ladies football section would like you to join them for a night to celebrate their players — an evening of dinner, fun, and team spirit on Saturday, January 17, at the Rochestown Park Hotel.

A spokesperson said: “We are delighted to welcome members of the All -Ireland winning Cork LGFA minor team after their victory last summer along with Juliet Murphy, All-Ireland–winning Cork captain and one of the greatest players in the history of Ladies Gaelic Football.” Juliet represented Cork at senior level from the mid-1990s to 2013, winning eight All-Ireland senior titles, including captaining Cork to a famous three-in-a-row in 2005, 2006, and 2007.

She earned six TG4 All-Star awards, was named Players’ Player of the Year in 2011, and was renowned for her exceptional midfield presence — intelligence, vision, leadership, and unwavering composure under pressure.

A night not to be missed, more ticket information coming soon.

Community grants

Independent Councillor Kieran McCarthy wishes to bring the launch of Cork City Council’s 2026 Creative Communities Grant Scheme to the awareness of community groups from Douglas to Rochestown to Ballinlough.

Proudly supported by Creative Ireland, this dynamic initiative champions creativity at the heart of Cork’s communities, encouraging projects that inspire artistic expression, strengthen local connections, and deliver meaningful social impact.

Now entering its fourth year, the scheme offers a two-tier funding model to cater for projects of all sizes:

·Level 1: €1,500 - €3,000 for smaller-scale or pilot projects.

Level 2: Up to €6,000 for larger, ambitious initiatives with significant reach and impact.

Cllr McCarthy said: “Applications are welcome from community groups across Cork city – including schools, youth clubs, neighbourhood associations, and cultural or environmental groups.

“Artists and creative practitioners may also apply, provided they have the active support of a community group. All projects must demonstrate collaboration and align with at least two priorities from the Cork City Culture & Creativity Strategy 2023–2027.” 

This session will cover funding levels, application tips, and the assessment process, with plenty of time for questions.

Applications must be submitted online at corkcity.submit.com/show/402 by Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

For full details and to register for the webinar, visit Eventbrite or contact: Louise Tangney, Creative Communities Engagement Officer, at louise_tangney@corkcity.ie