Fingal County Council has confirmed that, following planning approval at the Council meeting on 11 May 2026, the long-anticipated community swimming pool in Balbriggan is moving towards construction, marking a major milestone for the town and the wider North Fingal area.

The approved plans set out a single-storey public swimming complex centred on a 25-metre, six-lane pool with a dedicated spectator viewing gallery.

A comprehensive suite of amenities will be included, such as village-style, group and accessible changing areas, showers and toilets, a reception and waiting area, staff offices and welfare spaces, meeting rooms, general storage, plant and chemical stores, and buggy storage.

To support energy-efficient operation, photovoltaic (PV) panels will be installed at roof level.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O'Leary, welcomed the progress: "This is a very positive development for Balbriggan, Skerries, Lusk and beyond. The pool will provide a high-quality, accessible public facility for families, schools and swimmers of all ages, and represents an important addition to the social and recreational infrastructure of the area. It's a great day for North Fingal, with an estimated investment of more than €11 million."

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Director of Services, David Storey, emphasised the significance of the project: "This is a major step forward for Balbriggan and the wider North Fingal area. For a long time, there has been a clear need for a high-quality public swimming facility, and we are now moving closer to delivering that reality. This project is about increasing access, supporting active lifestyles, and providing a vital community resource that will benefit people of all ages for generations to come. It is a strong example of how targeted investment can make a real and lasting difference in people's daily lives."

The scheme has been purposely designed to complement, rather than compete with, existing provision, offering a targeted and proportionate response to a recognised shortfall in public swimming facilities.

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: "This project represents a strong and meaningful investment in community infrastructure. It is a particularly positive outcome following an extended period of design and planning, ensuring that a high-quality, fit-for-purpose swimming pool can be delivered to meet the needs of Balbriggan and the wider area."

Following public consultation that showed strong local support, the design will be refined to incorporate a variable pool depth from 1.10 metres to 1.80 metres. This will broaden access and accommodate learn-to-swim programmes, family swimming, training and recreation.

Swim Ireland Chief Executive Officer, Mary McMorrow, said: "Swim Ireland warmly welcomes Fingal County Council's decision to progress Fingal's first public swimming pool in Balbriggan. It represents a positive step forward for the people of Fingal. This much-needed facility will increase opportunities to swim locally and support participation, health and wellbeing for people of all ages."

The project aligns with key strategic frameworks, including the Castlelands Masterplan 2021, the Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029, and the Fingal County Council Local Sport and Physical Activity Plan 2024–2029, advancing wider goals around health, wellbeing and active communities.