Outdoor city swimming pool a possibility

An outdoor swimming pool could be on the cards for Cork, allowing Leesiders to take a dip in any kind of weather.

Speaking to media earlier this week about the possibility that the city could soon have its very own lido as part of the Docklands redevelopment, Director of Strategic & Economic Development, Fearghal Reidy said: “There are plans for a swimming pool, along with the rest of the active recreation. That will need to be looked at carefully because of the cost and viability but the Lido is still in the mix.”

The Cork Lido has been discussed for years and previously Kennedy Quay, the Marina and Horgan's Quay were identified as potential locations.

The Cork Lido Facebook page, which has 2,000 followers has campaigned for a lido and says its goal is to secure a 50 metre pool “for the city's citizens to swim all year round in a safe environment”.

The project has received the backing of Swim Ireland, who said the pool would “enhance the economic potential of the unique maritime city that is Cork” and a feasibility study was undertaken on the prospect of a lido for the city two years ago.

“We have worked on proposals for long time about a lido, and we've worked with a group in proposing that tring to assess locations throughout the city,” said Mr Reidy.

“There is and will be a need in the Docklands for additional swimming facilities, in fact, throughout the city. And we would not discount that on the river or otherwise,” he said.

However, Chief Executive Ann Doherty highlighted the current use of the area, saying: “I think we need to remember that it's a working port at the moment,” but added: “We all know the river is an amazing amenity that it will be a really big part of the future.”

In the past, Cork residents had the pleasure of outdoor swimming at the Lee Baths, an unheated swimming pool featuring a daring diving board. Opened to the public in 1934, the baths remained a part of Cork's cityscape until their closure in August 1986.