‘Lido would offer fantastic oasis for people of Cork’

A call has been made to the Government to work with Cork City Council to adopt plans for an outdoor lido as part of the Cork Docklands Framework Plan.

In September, following a public consultation period, Cork City Council revealed it had received more than 450 submissions supporting the provision of a lido on the riverbank or within the River Lee.

While no definitive plans for the development of a lido have materialised from the consultation period, Social Democrats Cork South Central TD Pádraig Rice has called on Government officials to advance such plans, given unprecedented temperatures recorded across the county last week.

Mr Rice said the recent severe temperature warning “highlighted the need for an outdoor swimming facility in the heart of Cork city”.

“With temperatures reaching 30C in parts of Cork, a lido would offer a fantastic oasis for the people of our city,” said Mr Rice.

“Across Europe we see lidos attract tourism, support local economies, and provide safe, controlled space for people to learn to swim.

“They also deliver major health and community benefits.

“Through the work of the Cork Lido CLG group, we know there is strong public support for this project [and] minister Patrick O’Donovan recently said that he thinks there should be a 50m pool in Cork.

“Swimming clubs across the city are also crying out for facilities,” he added.

“There is no reason why Cork cannot deliver both a dedicated indoor training facility and an outdoor lido.

“We know that Cork City Council has stated its intention to engage with stakeholders, such as the Cork Lido campaign, with regards to a study examining the commercial and recreational potential of the River Lee and Upper Harbour — that work must progress without delay.

“The campaign to provide a lido for our city deserves commitment and backing,” Mr Rice said.