DE BURCA WELCOMES FUNDING FOR BRAY& GREYSTONES SWIMMING POOLS

"I am delighted to hear that the Minister saw fit to grant funding for two pools for North Wicklow" says Councillor de Burca. "Certainly on the basis of the population of the two towns these pools are badly needed. Bray and Greystones betweeen them have a population of nearly 50,000 and at present there is no public swimming pool available in either town. This situation was not sustainable given the growing young populations of both towns".

Councillor de Burca paid tribute to the community groups that have been lobbying vigorously for Government funding for a pool for the past few years. "Many councillors like myself were lobbied by Bray and Greystones campaigning groups but to be honest, I doubt if any of us imagined that funding would be made available for two pools for the northern part of the county. This is truly a very welcome announcement for the people of North Wicklow, particularly for the young people".

Councillor de Burca expressed her support for the decision of the Wicklow County Manager, Mr Edward Sheehy, to dedicate two council officials to take responsibility for driving the swimming pool projects forward. Mr Des o Brien has been allocated responsibility for the management of the Bray swimming pool project and Mr Seamus Walker has been given responsibility for the Greystones project.

"There will be a real need for community input into both swimming pool projects as the funding promised will only amount to 90% of the total cost of the pool in Bray's case and approximately 80% of the cost of the Greystones pool" says councillor de Burca. "It is important that we liaise with community groups in Arklow and Wicklow Town who were involved in fundraising and planning for the pools in their towns and learn from their experiences" she said.

For further information please contact Deirdre de Burca on 086 8061450 or email deburca@wicklowgreens.org.