Just let that sink in.
A feasibility study is to be carried out for the development of a brand new Olympic-size heated outdoor lido pool in Cork city (for those of you wondering, a ‘Lido’ is an outdoor swimming pool either along the coast as a tidal pool, or in a river and can also be on land.)
A voluntary group, known as @LidoCork on Twitter, was formed about a year ago to try and establish a lido in Cork city. They announced earlier this week that Cork City Council have just dived on board as their lead sponsor, and have welcomed MWP Engineering Consultants to do the comprehensive feasibility study, which will be commencing in the New Year.
If approved, the new outdoor swimming pool will be about 50 metres long and will be open year-round, with changing room facilities, warm-up areas, a cafe, and full disability access.
Half the city swam in the early ’80’s and I don’t see why the next few generations have to miss out!!
Swimming is a life skill that everyone should have. 🏊♀️🏊♂️#LidoCork pic.twitter.com/KEGwwLWEc4— Lido Cork (@LidoCork) December 22, 2021
Speaking to Craving Cork about the new development, Chairman of the Cork Lido group mentions “We sent a submission to City Council with the specific objective is to initiate a process to create a public 50-meter tidal swimming pool or 50-meter floating Swimming pool in the city and have its inclusion in the City Development Plan.
The rationale is to enhance the amenities and services in the City for the people of Cork, for outdoor sports enthusiasts, for public health and wellbeing.“
According to Niall, the feasibility study (with support from Swim Ireland) will begin in January and will take around 10 weeks to complete. The next step after this will be to conduct a business plan, and the overall project from start to finish should take around 5 years.
The group are currently considering areas within the city for the new lido pool – potentially near the Lee Fields where the Lee Baths once were – with future plans for two other pools near the coast.