Funding granted for changing shelter at Lough Lene

A grant of €25,000 for a changing shelter at Lough Lene is among the €400,000 funding for outdoor swimming initiatives announced by Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, TD, has announced this week.

The funding is under the Healthy Ireland Outdoor Swimming Initiative.

The minister said the continued investment will support the development of safe, accessible outdoor swimming locations across the country, building on the success of the initiative in previous years.

The funding will support projects in 17 local authority areas nationwide, improving infrastructure at outdoor swimming locations including rivers, lakes, beaches and outdoor pools.

The initiative aims to make the locations more accessible, enabling more people to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor swimming.

Swimming locations will receive funding for improvements such as accessible changing shelters, swim ladders, safety equipment, beach wheelchairs, hoists and shower facilities. These enhancements will make outdoor swimming locations more accessible, particularly for people with reduced mobility, and will support increased participation.

Minister Murnane O’Connor said: “Outdoor swimming offers significant physical and mental health benefits, and this investment will help more people of all ages and abilities to enjoy these amenities in their local communities. I look forward to seeing these improvements delivered in advance of the 2026 season.”

Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said: “Sport and physical activity transform lives, building friendships, reducing isolation, strengthening communities, and delivering undeniable health benefits.

“The Healthy Ireland Outdoor Swimming Initiative is an example of that in action. By opening up rivers, lakes and coastal locations to more people, this initiative extends those benefits further, making sport accessible and enjoyable for communities across the country.

“Sport Ireland is committed to removing barriers so that everyone can participate, regardless of background or ability. Through our Sports Inclusion Disability Projects, we continue to develop the infrastructure that makes sport more accessible for people with disabilities, while our Physical Activity for Health programme has already helped almost 5,000 people living with chronic conditions engage in physical activity in their communities.

“Initiatives like this reflect the strength of our partnership with the Department of Health and our shared determination to get more people active. Every person we reach is a step toward a healthier, more connected Ireland.”

Mary McMorrow, CEO of Swim Ireland, added: “Swim Ireland warmly welcomes the allocation of funding under the Healthy Ireland Outdoor Swimming Grant Fund and is pleased to continue supporting the Minister, the Department of Health and Sport Ireland in advancing projects that will make outdoor swimming more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for communities across Ireland.

"Improving access to Open Water swimming is an important part of delivering the National Swimming Strategy and its vision of providing everyone in Ireland with an opportunity to swim.

"Ireland is fortunate to have an extraordinary natural swimming environment across our seas, lakes and rivers, and investment in practical improvements such as safer access points, changing facilities, handrails, showers and accessible equipment can make a real difference to people’s confidence and ability to take part.

"Outdoor swimming supports physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection. By working with local authorities, Local Sports Partnerships, Healthy Ireland and Sport Ireland, we can help more people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy the benefits of swimming in safe and welcoming outdoor spaces.”