There was great excitement in Ardee yesterday with the launch by Louth County Council and Swim Ireland of a Pop-Up Pool which opens today, January 10.
The twelve metres by 3.4 metres swimming pool is located at Ash Walk, between Supervalu and Aldi until the end of March 2023 and is perfectly timed to coincide with Sport Ireland’s Winter Initiative to get people exercising and taking part in physical activities.
Swim Ireland want to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to learn how to swim and so, supported by the Department of Culture, Tourism, Arts, Media, Sport and the Gaeltacht and Sport Ireland, they have rolled out this Initiative which Louth County Council have embraced and are funding for the people of mid-Louth. The Council through the Sports Partnership are assisting with this project as part of their programme of activities.
The pool, now located in Ardee, is the second Pop-Up Pool rolled out by Swim Ireland, with the other pool currently set up in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. Swim Ireland recently announced that the Government will be funding a third Pop-Up Pool in 2023.
The Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District of Louth County Council, Cllr Paula Butterly, welcomed guests to the pool launch yesterday saying:
“There has been a real buzz around the town over the last few days with the advent of the Pop-Up Pool.
“It’s great to see people of all ages chatting and displaying a common interest in what could be the start of a whole new healthy lifestyle. I thank the Executive of Louth County Council for supporting this initiative and the mid-Louth area.”
Local Councillors, representatives of Louth County Council, Senator and TDs with representatives of Swim Ireland and Sport Ireland pictured at the new pop up swimming pool in Ardee.
In response, Council Chief Executive Joan Martin said she and the team are thrilled to be able to assist mid-Louth with the pool albeit on a temporary basis.
” We in Louth County Council are constantly looking at initiatives to enhance the lives of the citizens of our fantastic county and keep Louth a great place to work, live and play.”
Also at the launch was Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane who commented: “We are delighted to be working with Louth County Council to bring the Pop-Up Pool to Ardee. Swimming is a life-skill, and one that it is vital for every child. The Pop-Up Pool is a fantastic opportunity to teach children, and adults, in the area to swim. We look forward to welcoming the people of Ardee, of all ages and abilities to experience the pool and take advantage of the opportunities available.”
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, Una May, said: “Last year the Sport Ireland Irish Sports Monitor showed that swimming was the second most popular sport amongst adults with 300,000 participating each week. Swimming pools provide a vital resource for schools, clubs and communities across the country, and we are proud to increase access to swimming pools through our support of Swim Ireland’s pop up pool initiative.”
The opportunities that the pool will provide and the benefits it will have for the local community are far reaching including school swimming lessons, aquafit classes, autism friendly swim classes and adult swimming lessons.
The pool opens from Tuesday 10th January with many bookings already received. For groups or individuals wishing to book please contact popuppool@swimireland.ie or BOOK ONLINE HERE
