Dunmanway frustration that new pool not open

BY KIERAN O’MAHONY

A DUNMANWAY business owner has said it’s frustrating that there is still no definite date for the opening of the new Dunmanway Swimming Pool, which was originally due to open last summer. 

Despite media reports this that the €3.8m facility was to open on April 21st, Cork County Council has confirmed that there is still no definite date decided.

Speaking to The Southern Star, Peter Walsh said that the people and business owners of Dunmanway need a definite opening date from Cork County Council for the new pool.

‘It’s frustrating for local businesses here and the anticipation for the opening of the pool was late last year, and here we are in April and it’s still not opened,’ said Peter.

‘From my perspective as a small retailer, families would have used the pool over the Easter holidays and we’ve lost that chance now. We could be talking May now before it’s open or late summer and it might just come too late for some local businesses. The footfall from the opening of the pool would not only help me but other businesses in the town.’

Back in January it was expected that the new pool would open at the end of March once a ‘snag list’ of works were carried out but so far the pool remains closed.

Local county councillor Declan Hurley confirmed to The Southern Star that rumours of the facility opening on April 21st were unfounded.

‘The works have been completed and the opening of the pool is imminent. There is also the process of the building being handed back to Cork County Council from the developers and there is staff training involved too,’ said Cllr Hurley.

‘We’re almost there and it will certainly be worth the wait,’ he promised.

Visitors to the old Dunmanway swimming pool on Tuesday evening were disappointed to hear that there is still no opening date confirmed for the new pool.

Rosie Kingston from Bandon uses the old pool regularly and said they would come more often if the new facility was opened.‘It’s disappointing to hear that there is still no opening date, as we’re mad keen to get in there,’ said Rosie.

Zaebeth Bateman from Drimoleague echoed Rosie’s sentiments and said she would come more often if the new pool was opened.