Community survey finds huge support for major revamp of Cork's Gus Healy pool 

A new community survey on the future of the Gus Healy swimming pool has found overwhelming support for a major redevelopment of the Ballinlough facility.

A total of 830 people responded to the survey between May 29 and August 13, 2026, with responses received from across Ballinlough, Douglas, Blackrock, Beaumont, and Mahon.

Some 818 respondents said they would be more likely to use the pool if it was upgraded, while 682 said they would use a hydrotherapy facility if it was included, and 810 said public opening hours should be expanded.

Written submissions repeatedly highlighted the need for improved facilities for children, families, swimming lessons, clubs, accessibility, and competitive swimming, with 61 written responses specifically referring to the need for a 50m or Olympic-sized pool.

It comes as Cork City Council confirmed earlier this year that LeisureWorld and the local authority were preparing costed plans and funding options for an upgrade of Gus Healy, with a report expected to come before council.

The survey was undertaken by Labour councillor Peter Horgan, who said: “People want the Gus Healy pool to be upgraded, and they want it to become a modern facility that serves the community properly. 

“The demand is not simply for a cosmetic refurbishment. People are asking for a facility that works for families, children, schools, clubs, older people, people with disabilities and those who need hydrotherapy.

“The 97.6% support for expanding public opening hours is particularly significant. A public pool has to be genuinely accessible to the public, not simply exist on paper.”