47. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the progress he has made on the Programme for Government commitment to implement the New National Swimming Strategy by investing in pools and swimming facilities allowing everyone an opportunity to swim. [33162/26]

The National Swimming Strategy was published in 2024 and commits the Department to reviewing the implementation of the Strategy’s Action Plan on an annual basis, commencing in December 2025, and in that regard a copy the first Progress Report is available online at the following link: https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/8LNOCpXEPC07RDhPfBTGL3p9?domain=gov.ie/.

Further to a specific action in the Strategy, Swim Ireland carried out an in-depth analysis of swimming pool provision within Ireland, examining the condition and age of facilities, community accessibility, the availability of swimming lessons, energy and sustainability practices, and the provincial and county-level distribution of pools. The resultant Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report, which was published at the end of 2025, is available on Swim Ireland’s website at the following link: https://swimireland.ie/2025/12/09/swim-ireland-report-a-pool-within-reach-remains-a-distant-reality-amidst-critical-swimming-infrastructure-gaps/. The report is being examined by my Department and will be a key input to the future development of swimming pool facilities by enabling enhanced decision-making with regard to targeting investment more effectively.

In this context, my Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Applications under both programmes are subject to published guidelines and conditions.

LSSIF applications must be made by either a local authority or a National Governing Body of Sport (NGB). To date, €41.4 million has been allocated to 12 swimming pool projects under the LSSIF. The LSSIF is currently closed to applications, and no decisions have yet been made regarding the timing the next round.

Applications for the refurbishment of pools and the purchase of non-personal swimming equipment can be made under the CSFF, the next round of which will open later in 2026. I would encourage all swimming clubs and organisations interested in developing their facilities, and in applying for a CSFF grant, to begin planning now and to ensure applications are fully aligned with the goals and guidelines of the scheme. In total over €1.5 million was allocated to swimming under the 2023 CSFF round and over €3.7 million has been allocated since 2015.

Funded under the Healthy Ireland Initiative, and administered by Sport Ireland, the Outdoor Swimming Infrastructure Fund allocated €830,000 in 2024 and 2025 to 68 separate outdoor swimming facilities nationwide. The funding has made the approved swimming locations more accessible by supporting the provision and upgrade of facilities including handrails, swim shelters, access ladders, safety notice boards, shower facilities, and beach wheelchairs. Provision has been made to continue this funding scheme in 2026.