COMHAIRLE CONTAE FHINE GALL FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY 10TH September 2018 ITEM NO. 6 FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR SWIMMING POOLS IN FINGAL
Question: Councillor D. Smith – AI044200 “To ask the Chief Executive does he have an update on the feasibility study underway for a Swimming Pool(s) in Fingal?”
Reply: The assessment of a need for a multi-purpose sports facility to possibly include a swimming pool for the North of the County has commenced and is being carried out by the Community, Culture & Sports Division in two phases. The objective of Phase one is to establish base-line data, by carrying out a mapping exercise including an Audit of Facilities (Sports, Community etc., public and private) and a Gap Analysis in the Swords/Balbriggan Electoral Area, which will be robust, evidence based and future proofed. Phase 2 will entail a feasibility study that will assess funding opportunities, profitability, future business growth, operational models and all other aspects of a facility feasibility study. A market soundings exercise has been carried out with two companies. This process has been beneficial in determining matters to be covered in the tender process such as future proofing any strategic decisions based on population Agenda Item 6 Page 27 demographics, the need to examine the quality and condition of existing premises (facility health check), as well as usage profile, business and operating models, range of sports/leisure activities to be provided, impact of displacement from existing facilities etc. This is a significant piece of work and the next step is to prepare the tender documentation for Phase 1. It is anticipated that work on the Gap Analysis will commence in the New Year and it will include a public consultation process.
