Cork’s Dolphin Swimming Club has big dreams for the city’s first Olympic-sized swimming pool, but the project remains stalled due to a lack of funding. The modular pool, purchased after the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, has been sitting in storage since May 2024. With an estimated cost of €7-13 million and a target opening date of January 2026, the project’s future hinges on securing financial support.

The Vision: A Landmark for Cork

The proposed pool, a 10-lane, 50-meter facility, could become a hub for national and international competitions, potentially boosting Ireland’s standing in competitive swimming. The Dolphin Swimming Club, which turns 125 years old in 2026, sees the pool as a critical piece of Cork’s sports infrastructure, benefiting everyone from competitive swimmers to casual fitness enthusiasts.

The Challenges: Funding and Bureaucracy

Despite the grand vision, the project faces significant obstacles. The club has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise €100,000 needed just to apply for planning permission. While Cork County Council has offered a leasehold on land, the bulk of the funding required for construction remains elusive. The club is optimistic that recent Olympic successes could sway grant applications in their favor, but time is running out.

A Call to Action

The situation highlights a critical gap in Ireland’s sports infrastructure. As Dolphin Swimming Club waits for the necessary funding, the dream of a world-class swimming facility in Cork remains on hold. The community’s support and government intervention could turn this dream into reality, but without it, the pool might remain nothing more than a missed opportunity.

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