Limerick Set to Revive City Centre Sports Facilities with New Pool and Hub
Limerick city is on the cusp of a significant upgrade to its recreational infrastructure, with plans underway for a new municipal sports facility near the city’s bus and rail station. The project, spearheaded by Mayor John Moran, is being developed in collaboration with the Land Development Agency (LDA).
A Return to Accessible Swimming for Limerick Residents
A key component of the proposed facility is the potential inclusion of a 25-meter, four-lane swimming pool. Consultants have been commissioned to conduct a feasibility study, evaluating options that include the pool alongside a four-court sports hall, fitness gym, studio spaces, and a café.
The council’s preference, should space be a constraint, is for a swimming pool over a sports hall. This initiative aims to address a historical gap in Limerick’s public swimming access, with the city having fewer municipal pools compared to other Irish cities.
“I am a real big fan of this,”
Mayor John Moran
Mayor Moran envisions a facility accessible to all, operating on a pay-as-you-go basis. He highlighted the importance of restoring swimming access to the southside of the city, noting the closure of the St Enda’s pool in 2011.
Colbert Quarter Integration and Long-Term Vision
The planned sports centre will be situated within the 50-acre Colbert Quarter, a site previously chaired by Mayor Moran during his time with the LDA. The LDA’s primary focus is increasing housing supply through the development of public land for affordable and social homes, alongside supporting infrastructure.
The Colbert Quarter project aims to deliver up to 2,800 new homes and establish a new urban district around Limerick’s transportation hubs.
“I want it to be municipal, so then people can pay as they go.”
Mayor John Moran
Mayor Moran emphasized the broad appeal of swimming, stating its accessibility for individuals of all ages and abilities. He also referenced recent improvements to existing facilities, including repairs at Grove Island and the opening of the Askeaton pool, as steps towards enhancing swimming opportunities in the region.
A Key Pillar of the Mayor’s Action Plan
The provision of this new sports centre, including the potential swimming pool, is a central element of Mayor Moran’s broader action plan for Limerick. Last year, he actively sought Government funding to support the development of this sports hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Land Development Agency (LDA)?
The LDA is a State body focused on increasing housing supply by developing public land for affordable and social homes and related infrastructure.
Where will the new sports facility be located?
The facility is planned for a site near Limerick bus and rail station, within the Colbert Quarter.
What are the potential features of the new facility?
Options include a 25-meter swimming pool, a four-court sports hall, a fitness gym, studio spaces, and a café.
The development represents a significant investment in Limerick’s recreational infrastructure, promising to enhance the quality of life for residents and contribute to the city’s growing appeal.