Update on proposed Multi-Purpose Recreational Facility for the North of the County: The needs assessment for a multi-purpose sports facility, possibly including 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 1 is to establish base-line data, by carrying out a mapping exercise including an audit of existing 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 demographics, the need to examine the quality and condition of existing premises (facility health check), as well as usage profile, business and operating models, the range of sports/leisure activities to be provided and the impact of displacement from existing facilities. 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 2019 and will include a public consultation process.
