Lidos and swimming access
The Chair restores order and Senator Harmon explains lidos as open-air heated pools, arguing they would improve swimming access, community amenities and jobs.
This is something that would provide access to open-air, safe swimming and give people an opportunity to learn how to swim. It would provide employment for lifeguards and it would certainly add to the communities.
Currently, in Britain there are over 160 lidos in place and in Ireland, unfortunately, they have been decreasing. There are campaigns in Dublin and Galway for more facilities. This is something I would welcome a discussion on in this House with the relevant Minister to discuss access to swimming in Ireland. Unfortunately, a lot of people with mobility issues cannot often get to the beach or the seaside. There is no transport available to them. Particularly now, during a heatwave, temperatures are rising, and a lot of private swimming pools are expensive and often very full. Swimming should be accessible to everybody. We should bring it into the community. We need more amenities that do not involve alcohol where people can go to enjoy themselves and meet.
This is something I am campaigning for in Cork. I commend the Cork Lido campaign on all the work it has been doing to try to secure a site and secure the funding for this. I believe the State should work with the city councils to provide these amenities for the public. I would welcome a debate in the House on swimming, water safety and access to safe swimming in general.
