Horgan says Ballinlough swimming pool 'well overdue an upgrade'

As city and county councils launch an indoor swimming survey, Labour Party Cork City Councillor Peter Horgan has renewed his call for a full upgrade of the Gus Healy Swimming Pool at Ballinlough, citing the publication of the national Swim Ireland Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report as critical.

“The Gus Healy Swimming Pool at Ballinlough 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.

“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 50-metre (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.”

Cllr Horgan said that 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. 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 Gus Healy, and expanding it into a modern, high-capacity facility (ideally including 50 m pool capability and accessible hydrotherapy provision), would directly address the infrastructural deficit highlighted in the national report, while safeguarding a vital community asset.

“So many people raise this issue with me. We need a proper pool for our community,” Cllr Horgan added.

“The evidence is now there. 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.”