Huge support for redevelopment of Douglas swimming pool

A new community survey on the future of the Gus Healy Swimming Pool in Douglas has found overwhelming support for a major redevelopment of the facility, with almost 99% of respondents saying they would be more likely to use the pool if it were upgraded.

A total of 830 people responded to the survey , with responses received from across Ballinlough, Douglas, Blackrock, Beaumont and Mahon.

The survey found:

819 respondents (98.7%) said they would be more likely to use the Gus Healy pool if it were upgraded.

682 respondents (82.2%) said they would use a hydrotherapy facility if it was included.

810 respondents (97.6%) said public opening hours should be expanded.

332 respondents were from Ballinlough and 301 from Douglas, with a further 130 from Blackrock.

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

The findings add substantial community evidence to a campaign which Cllr Peter Horgan has been pursuing for several years.

Cllr Horgan previously called for the Gus Healy Pool to receive a major upgrade and, in 2024, brought a motion to Cork City Council seeking central funding to enhance, expand and promote swimming on the south side of the city, including consideration of an Olympic-sized facility.

More recently, Cllr Horgan has called for hydrotherapy to form part of the redevelopment, following engagement with the HSE around the potential for a hydrotherapy facility at Gus Healy. The HSE has indicated that it is open to engaging with Cork City Council and Swim Ireland to explore such a proposal.

Cllr Peter Horgan said: “People want the Gus Healy Pool to be upgraded, and they want it to become a modern facility that serves the community properly.

“Almost 99% of respondents said they would be more likely to use the pool if it was upgraded.

“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.

“The 97.6% support for expanding public opening hours is particularly significant.”