23-06-2025
New Galway aquatic facility is welcomed by local swimming clubs
Forbairt Snámh Thiar Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Ráthaíochta applied to build an aquatic facility fit with a 35 x 25m pool, steam room, gymnasium, and coffee dock at Knocknacarra.
The site will be accessed by Altán Road and Millers Lane which also lies close to St. John the Apostle primary school and a highly trafficked roundabout.
The facility is expected to be .87ha with 75 parking spaces and 89 bike spaces.
Several swimming and water polo organisations expressed support for the proposal, noting that existing pools in the area are already operating at full capacity due to high demand from local clubs. The Kingfisher pool at the University of Galway and Leisureland are currently the primary facilities in use. However, with more than five aquatic clubs competing for access, the availability of pool time remains limited.
In their submission to the proposal, Shark Swimming Club chairperson said: 'Swim Ireland recommends competitive swimmers train in the pool 18 hours per week, made up off nine sessions of two hours. Our top squads can only secure eleven and a half hours in Galway with many sessions only ninety minutes.'
Opening a pool conveniently located within 0.5 kilometers of two major parks – each featuring rugby, hockey, and other sports pitches – paves the way for an 'ideal synergy,' says Dr. Clarie Hillery, Chair of TRIBES Water Polo, an all-female club founded in 2010.
TRIBES committee member Ailbhe Casserly says: 'I think the benefit of the new pool spans well beyond these clubs, with the potential for many schools to take advantage, swimming lessons, lifeguarding training, diving training, and public use.'
'This new water sports facility will facilitate the club's continued development and provide a vital space for girls and women to thrive in sport.'
Water polo is an internationally recognized sport, and access to a regulation-standard pool would enable Galway to host National Cup competitions, potentially boosting visitor numbers to the city.
While this new facility will solve a slew of problems for aquatic organisations, it poses an environmental concern and major traffic threat, especially to the residents of Gort Siar Estate.
Kingston Enviornemental Group drew concern for the proposal being for only a portion of the 7.5ha plot of land the facility will sit on. Their submission stated that this will lead to a 'peacemeal approach' of the lot and potentially disrupt the congruency of the ecosystem.
They said that the facility will 'require a broader and more comprehensive approach in order to preserve and enhance the residential and ecological integrity' of the site.
Among the concerns raised in submissions is that an 'already poor traffic situation will be further exacerbated'. The facility will sit near both a school and a residential area with limited street access.
The plan was granted with 19 conditions.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
