Glenalbyn pool report deeply flawed, say swim clubs

Representatives of clubs numbering more than 400 former users of the Glenalbyn swimming pool in Stillorgan, Co Dublin, have sharply criticised a consultant’s report which suggested reopening the pool might not be viable because of the ageing population in the area.

The criticism came as Stillorgan councillors met yesterday to consider spending €10 million on reopening the pool – or to open a new facility elsewhere in the locality which might leave cash left over to spend on additional leisure attractions.

It also came as local TD Shane Ross accused council officials of deliberately steering the councillors away from reopening Glenalbyn. A public meeting is now being planned in the area for June 29th which Mr Ross said would reflect considerable concern about the closure.

Glenalbyn pool was closed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in December 2013, after structural defects were identified in its roof. The pool had operated on site for 47 years and was regularly used by Swim Ireland and other aquatic clubs for training .

Elected councillors ring-fenced €10million from the council budget to repair or rebuild the facility, but council management questioned the viability of a reopened facility, given the ageing population of the area.

In February management procured a report from DKM Consultants which predicted that by 2036 more than three-quarters of the local population would more than 40 years of age. The report concluded the demographics of the area meant the pool could require an ongoing subsidy. The consultant’s report found other impediments such as the constricted nature of the site, particularly in relation to parking and access. It also drew attention to more modern swimming pools and leisure facilities at Meadowbrook, Loughlinstown and Monkstown among others.

But former users of Glenalbyn, members of six separate swimming, water polo and scuba diving clubs clubs have sharply criticised the DKM report. In a letter of protest signed by six clubs local councillors were told the report was “deeply flawed”.

The letter alleged DKM had not made any reference to the potential usage of a reopened pool by the 2,000-strong Kilmacud Crokes GAA club which in situated next door to the pool. The letter also asserts that parking and access issues had “worked well for 47 years”, and that while Glenalbyn may have been one of the local authority’s oldest pools, it still accounted for between 25 and 34 per cent of all swimming visits to the council’s public pools. The letter claims the catchment area of Glenalbyn pool was underrepresented in the report, and a further population of almost 27,000 people should have been included. It argued that it was council policy to “protect, retain and enhance existing urban sports facilities”.

Clubs that signed the letter included Glenalbyn Swimming Club, Glenalbyn Masters Swim Club, Sandycove Waterpolo Club, Dalkey Scubadivers and Curragh Sub Aqua Club. Councillors were given a copy of a letter of support for the reopening from Swim Ireland.

Council officials said a report on the options, as determined by local councillors and management would be available at the July or September council meeting.

Mr Ross said he believed the identification and development of a new site could mean it would be another five years before a pool reopened in the area.