Council identifies site for new Edenderry swimming pool and leisure centre

A new swimming pool and leisure centre is to be constructed on a former OPW site in Edenderry, Offaly County Council has confirmed.

The site was purchased by the local authority in 2022 and received a project allocation of €8.9 million as part of the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) in November 2024.

The unused site forms part of the Blundell Masterplan in the heart of the town.

Speaking today, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr. John Leahy thanked all those involved with progressing the project to this stage.

"I would like to thank the Minister, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the existing Edenderry Swimming Pool Committee, Offaly County Council Regeneration and Municipal District staff for their efforts with this project to date.

"The site of the proposed swimming pool and leisure centre will allow it to knit into the urban grain of the town centre and result in an excellent amenity for the people of Edenderry and the surrounding areas," Cllr Leahy said.

Cllr. Noel Cribbin, who is a member of Edenderry swimming pool committee said the allocation of €8.9 million as part of the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) announced in November 2024, was excellent news for the town of Edenderry.

"The previous pool (now closed and demolished due to fire damage in January 2024), located on Carrick Road, had been in operation since the early 1970s and provided an excellent service to the people of Edenderry and the wider community. This LSSIF funding, in conjunction with Offaly County Council’s purchase of this site in 2022, will facilitate the development of a new, modern facility to cater for the increasing demand and to provide a more efficient and practical operation," Cllr Cribbin said.

The Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney said the swimming pool and leisure centre will be a premier facility located in Edenderry.

"The site purchased for the swimming pool by Offaly County Council in 2022 was identified because of its strategic location and its potential to transform and enhance the vitality of the town," Ms Delaney said.

Offaly County Council’s Director of Services for Edenderry Municipal District, Andrew Murray, welcomed the project’s progress.

"This is an important moment in our progress to develop a best in class swimming pool and leisure centre replacement on a brand new site which will serve the area for many years to come," Mr Murray added.

Edenderry swimming pool project steering group are currently in the process of procuring an architect-led Integrated Design Team to develop a new competition-standard swimming pool and fitness centre for Edenderry.

The design brief for this project includes integration with Blundell Master Plan and surrounding amenities, a competition standard swimming pool and separate early learning pool, hydrotherapy zone, gym, multi-use space and associated changing and support facilities.