Green light for new swimming pool and skate park in Offaly town

Planning permission has been granted for a new outdoor swimming pool on the banks of the River Shannon in Banagher.

The project's committee, the Shannon Bank Development Group, are currently looking at all funding options.

In a Proposed Site Layout Plan submitted to Galway County Council as part of the planning application process it's stated that the new development will include three new access stairs, each with handrails. A disabled access ramp down onto the pool deck will also form part of the new development.

Walkways in the green area adjacent to the pool will be extended and the green area will feature a park with wildflowers and a skatepark.

Situated adjacent to Cromwell's Castle the development will include upgrading the seating and creating a canoe pontoon.

Around the new pool there will also be fixed seating areas on pontoon platforms. The proposed pool level will be about five metres below the main road level (in winter). The pool level will increase during the summer months.

"The project is going to cost €400,000," said Darragh Kelly of the Group, "and we hope to start building the new pool and surrounding infrastructure during the summer. We'll be able to slot the new pool into place during the summer over a week or two."

The aim would be for the project to be built this summer but obviously this will be down to accessing funding, grants etc, so this timeline may be later.

He said the group is going to get a government grant for 75% of the costs but has to find €100,000 in match funding.

"We've already raised €10,000 through a nameplate scheme, where people pay €100 per nameplate. The nameplates will surround the pool. This scheme is still open. Another fundraising project will be a swimathon during the spring, early summer."

A lot of familes are purchasing the nameplates and will be putting their kids names on them as a nice family keepsake. Each personalised nameplate will be fixed around the new pool seated area. They cost €100 and for people to register their interest for a nameplate the email address is banagherpool@outlook.com .

Phase 1 includes the main works and will consist of the new pool and upgraded seating with disabled access, all other elements are conceptual for future development. The Shannon Bank Development Group will be managing the pool installation and upgrade works.

The planning application was submitted on behalf of the trustees (with permission) by Colm Keane & Daragh Kelly and Planning Permission was granted on the December 12th 2022.

Cllr Clare Claffey warmly welcomed the news. “It's very exciting,” she said, “and will be fantastic for the town. The outdoor pool has been used a lot over the past couple of summers and has attracted visitors from all over. A lifeguard would be the icing on the cake.”

Last summer the councillor pointed out that a full-time lifeguard is needed at the pool during the busy summer months.
Cllr Claffey said the temperature of the new pool will be the same temperature as the river.

There are eleven outdoor swimming pools in Ireland and the Banagher pool has proved perennially popular each summer.

However, it's a long time since any work was done on the Banagher facility and a lot of locals will be very happy to see this upgrade taking place.

The proposed plans were recently put on display in Banagher's SuperValu, which created a buzz of positivity because the plans looked really good.

Banagher outdoor pool is one of Ireland’s most memorable pools. Located in the Shannon beside Banagher bridge, its riverside location is striking. 

The pool is situated in Banagher Park, which is owned by the community and managed by Banagher Shannon Bank Park committee, a group of trustees who are responsible for the overall management of the facility since 1979. Shannon Bank Park Trustees manage the running of the park on behalf of the community. The project is not being overseen by the trustees but by the Shannon Bank Development Group.

The pool is free to use and is open all year round. Many people like to use it to make a great start to the day by going for an early morning swim. During the summer other swimmers like to dry off with a picnic on the riverside after their swim or explore Banagher’s heritage at Cromwell’s Castle, located next to the swimming pool.