New Banagher pool to make a big splash!
By Rebekah O'Reilly
The installation of a new outdoor pool in Banagher is currently underway.
The pool project, which is expected to cost close to €1 million, has been supported by the Fáilte Ireland and the EU Just Transition Fund and a significant local fundraising effort.
Shannon Bank Park is currently closed and will remain closed until Monday, September 22, for the installation of new state-of-the-art outdoor swimming pool.
The installation began on Monday, September 1, with the removal of the old outdoor pool.
The new facility will feature wheelchair access, enhanced seating, wider pontoons, and improved facilities.
A spokesperson from the Shannon Bank Park team said ancillary works to wider park area, including landscaping, grass seeding, and signage, are expected to continue over the coming months.
While an official opening date is yet to be confirmed, all works on the outdoor pool and wider park are expected to be completed by next Spring.
The pool project, which is expected to cost close to €1 million, has been supported by the Fáilte Ireland and the EU Just Transition Fund and a significant local fundraising effort.
Fáilte Ireland provided a total of €616,000 in funding for the pool project, through the EU Just Transition fund, which covered roughly 80% of the costs directly related to the outdoor pool.
The remaining funding came from the fundraising efforts of the community in Banagher and the surrounding areas.
The team from Shannon Bank Park has expressed their thanks to the the local community for their amazing fundraising support.
Fundraising initiatives held in support of the pool this year 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 overall fundraising total.