Jennifer Murnane O'Connor TD, Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, has announced €400,000 in funding for the 2026 Healthy Ireland Outdoor Swimming Infrastructure Fund.

This third phase of the initiative specifically targets the physical upgrade of swimming locations to accommodate the surging popularity of open-water swimming.

The funding is designed to transition popular swimming spots into modern, inclusive facilities. Unlike general sports grants, this capital investment is strictly focused on improvement works and technical equipment that remove barriers to participation.

Key Focus Areas for Improvement Works

The 2026 programme priorities three specific streams of physical and structural enhancements:

• Access Infrastructure: Installation of new or upgraded entry and exit points, including access ramps, handrails, and swimming ladders to ensure safety at rivers, lakes, and coastal spots.

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• Facility Development: Construction or refurbishment of changing areas, including the development of innovative, low-impact changing shelters and the installation of shower facilities.

• Inclusivity & Disability Support: Procurement of specialized equipment such as amphibious wheelchairs and beach accessibility matting, alongside the development of secure storage units for this equipment.

The fund is administered by Sport Ireland on behalf of the Department of Health, utilising the network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) to ensure that the works meet specific local community needs.

Minister Murnane O'Connor emphasised the impact of these physical upgrades: "By again improving the accessibility of our range of swimming locations at rivers, lakes and coastal spots, we can continue to build on its growth in popularity and support as many people as possible, across all ages, to participate."

Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, added that these initiatives, paired with the National Swimming Strategy, are vital for reaching those who live far from traditional pools or face economic barriers. The 2026 allocation follows successful previous rounds which saw significant improvements such as movable changing cabins and demarcation buoys installed at sites across Ireland.

Applications for the funding are submitted by LSPs in collaboration with local authorities, ensuring that the improvements align with safety standards and environmental protections for Ireland's natural waterways.