Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice & Equality, David Stanton, has expressed his support for the development of a public swimming pool in Midleton. The provision of public swimming facilities in County Cork was recently raised at a Local Authority meeting by Cllr Susan McCarthy where pre-feasibility studies for the provision of swimming pools in large urban areas received unanimous support among elected Council members.
“I would be very supportive of any plans for a public swimming pool in Midleton just as I was, and continue to be, supportive of public swimming facilities in Cobh and Youghal. Swimming can be enjoyed by all age groups and is a great way to keep fit and healthy and, in addition to the physical benefits, the role of exercise in reducing stress and improving mental health has also been recognised by Mental Health Ireland.
“A public swimming pool in Midleton would not be used by people residing in Midleton and the wider catchment area and also by the thousands of young people attending the large second level and primary schools in the town and nearby. As a nation we are being encouraged to promote healthy eating and lifestyles for children. Swimming can form a part of a healthy lifestyle. A public swimming pool in Midleton would make swimming and swimming lessons easily accessible to all the students of local schools.
“Swimming is also a good form of exercise for adults and older people. Swimming pools can be used for aquafit style classes and other exercise classes which combine aerobics and resistance training while being very beneficial to anyone with joint ailments or injuries so can help anyone trying to regain their fitness after injury.
“Like Cllr McCarthy, I agree that a public swimming pool in Midleton would bring great health benefits to the community. Most large towns have the benefit of a public swimming pool and I believe the people of Midleton and surrounding areas should also have access to this important amenity in the town. I am pleased that Cllr McCarthy has secured a commitment from Cork County Council to review swimming pool provision across the county and I hope that this will lead to further progress towards the establishment of a public swimming pool in Midleton.
