Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith has welcomed a commitment from Enable Ireland and the HSE to seek funding to enable the use of the Hydrotherapy Pool at Enable Ireland, Cavan.

Deputy Brendan Smith, who sought information from the Minister for Health on this matter, commented, “I welcome confirmation that funding to cover costs for a full-time pool attendant and running costs of the pool are being sought at present.

“The local community has already given great support to this project over the past number of years. Unfortunately, the previous pool attendant left the role back in 2019 and the pool remained closed throughout 2019 due to funding issues and the inability to find a replacement. Subsequently, all Enable Ireland pools were then closed in accordance with public health guidance throughout 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.”

The Cavan and Monaghan TD added: “I have been informed that the HSE will seek to have the necessary funding provided in its 2023 budget allocation and remedial works to the pool are currently being progressed on the pool through Enable Ireland funding. The HSE added that Enable Ireland will also explore opportunities for providing access to the pool to other groups in the area and to have the pool available for evenings and weekends. They also stated that it is intended that income generated from this extended usage will support the upkeep and maintenance of the pool.”

ENDS

19/05/2022