Construction of state-of-the-art Banagher outdoor swimming pool commences

A collective spirit has enabled the community of Banagher to fundraise over €195,000 towards the creation of a state-of-the-art outdoor swimming pool in the West Offaly town.

The significant fundraising milestone was achieved through a number of community initiatives following the launch of the campaign by the Shannon Bank Park Development Group in February.

The new Banagher outdoor swimming pool will include wheelchair access, improved seating, wider pontoons, and a dedicated kayak and paddleboard launch, all situated in the River Shannon at Shannon Bank Park.

Construction by Inland and Coastal Marina Systems has commenced with pool sections currently being fabricated off-site in preparation for installation.

To date, the campaign has exceeded expectations in a town of just 1,907 residents. The money raised will support an €850,000 project, including the new pool and significant site development works, which also benefits from €616,000 in funding through the Fáilte Ireland EU Just Transition Fund.

The fundraising efforts have been wide-ranging and imaginative enabling the Banagher community to support the campaign in a number of ways.

Such fundraising initiatives included a Carrauntoohil Challenge in May, a River Shannon Swim Challenge in June, Conor Horn’s 'May the Fourth Mountain March', a pony trek, the 'Last Ever ‘80s Nostalgia Night' at Melba’s nightclub in Birr, a monster auction at Corrigan’s Corner House, a tractor run, and several school-led events.

Significant supporters of the campaign's cause were the local 'Beat on the Street' Festival and the 'Runners V Riders' fundraising group.

Sponsored nameplates, an online iDonate page and a tap-to-donate machine in the park also contributed to the campaign's fundraising total.

Spokesperson for the Shannon Bank Park Development Group Johnny Butler, said the campaign has been fused with positivity since its launch in February.

“The project became a possibility when the Just Transition funding came in. It was then when the real work started. Raising €172,000 is a big task and people said we were mad. That this was just another pipe dream that looked good on paper.

“But from the very start, we were met with nothing but positivity. Everywhere we turned for help or support, we didn’t have to ask twice. I checked the platform we used for online donations recently, there are 2,658 individual contributions there alone. That doesn’t include all the physical fundraising that went on.

“It really shows the kind of community that exists here in Banagher and not just here, but across West Offaly, East Galway, and North Tipperary too. Part of the appeal is that the project ticks so many boxes - it’s about health, it’s about access, it’s free, and it’s something that benefits both local people and visitors who already travel long distances to use the current pool. Hopefully it will inspire similar regeneration projects elsewhere, both locally and nationally," Johnny said.

The state-of-the-art project will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 will see the removal of the existing pool and the installation of the new facility before the end of August, the pool being closed for a maximum of two weeks during the transition. Groundworks and the construction of a new wheelchair ramp and improved access points will commence at the same time.

Phase 2 will commence in 2026, focusing on landscaping and the completion of groundworks to integrate the new facility into the park.

"For those who wish to contribute towards the landmark community project, nameplate sponsorships remain available until the end of July. Please email banagherpool@outlook.com for more information," Johnny concluded.