Call on HSE to reopen pool and sports hall in Mayo's Áras Attracta campus

The HSE has been asked to reopen the swimming pool and sports hall at the Áras Attracta campus in Swinford.

Making the call, Senator Mark Duffy said it's not good enough that the local community cannot use the facilities.

He explained: “There is a state of the art, fully functional swimming pool, complete with ramps and lifts for individuals with mobility challenges. It’s an amazing facility that could be used for various water therapies, for rehabilitation, for active retirement groups, schools and for the general public.

“There is no other swimming pool within 17 miles of Swinford and here is a perfectly well-quipped pool just lying idle when it should be benefiting the local community.”

Adjacent to the swimming pool is a magnificent sports hall that has also been closed for several years.

“The sports hall is another wonderful facility that needs to be reopened as a matter of urgency,” said Senator Duffy. “The local community in Swinford and the surrounding area, both young and old, are crying out for facilities, especially indoor facilities. We hear daily pronouncements on the importance of physical activity for our mental and general wellbeing and yet we currently have a situation where those very facilities are on their doorstep but nobody can use them.”

He added: “Significant public funds were invested in this fantastic infrastructure which should be the envy of any town across the Co. Mayo.

“It is simply not good enough that the local community are not able to enjoy either the pool or the sports hall and I am calling on the HSE and all relevant stakeholders to look at all viable avenues that would see both facilities reopened at the earliest opportunity.”