New sports centre ‘should include 50 metre pool’
The new regional sports centre proposed for Robinstown should include an Olympic standard size swimming pool, according to the Mullingar Pool Action Group.
In a submission to Westmeath County Council, the action group proposes that a 50-metre, 10-lane pool “be developed as a swimming centre of excellence for the midlands in conjunction with Swim Ireland”.
The group say that the centre should also include two kiddie pools, a separate gym area, a meeting room and a cafe. They also state that the pool should have full disability access. In its submission, the group add that their proposals “should be strongly considered as they address current problems with respect to access and capacity”.
“More importantly they also provide a vision for what is and will be required by the greater Mullingar area over the coming years.”
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, the chairperson of the action group, Lisa Corcoran, said that while the submission is “ambitious, it is also what is required for this town”. “In our group, we have members from many of the aquatic clubs in the town, including Mullingar Jets, Midland Triathlon Club, Mullingar Harbour Canoe Polo Club and Mullingar Sub Aqua Club. At a last meeting we discussed what the clubs need to fulfil their training requirements.
“We have also listened to the needs of the wider community, including people with mobility and sensory issues and we hope that the document reflects that.”
The action group recently met representatives from Swim Ireland and Westmeath County Council to discuss the project in advance of making their submission. “We welcome the engagement of Swim Ireland and Westmeath County Council with our group. I would also like to give a special mention to Deputy Robert Troy for facilitating the relations with Swim Ireland.”
The contract for the design and planning phase of the regional sports centre was put out to tender by Westmeath County Council last month. The deadline for expressions of interest is March 30.
The council tender notice says that “depending on the outcome of the preliminary design process the project will include some/or all of the following facilities: A X m X lane swimming pool; children’s leisure pool; health suite comprising sauna, steam room and spa facility; indoor multi-use sports arena; fitness gym; exercise areas for aerobics, boxing and spinning; all-weather flood lit pitches; turf training pitches; covered playing pitch; children’s play centre; junior playground facility; landscaping, paths; parking”.