Local community groups will now have access to the swimming pool at the Garda College in Templemore.
That’s according to Garda Management who are making the decision based on an increase in the number of recruits at the facility.
In a statement to Tipp Mid West Radio management says this access will be subject to individual community groups receiving the appropriate license from the OPW.
It follows news yesterday that the facility was to reopen for Garda Recruits and local schools by the end of November.
It’s believed the Taoiseach directly intervened yesterday on foot of a request from Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill.
We Just Want To Swim Templemore group insisted yesterday that the licencing system be made operational so that access for the wider community via Friday night classes can continue to be offered as they have been for over 40 years.
The group have held a number of protests which have seen hundreds take to the streets to highlight the lack of access to the swimming pool.
Full statement from Garda Management:
It has been decided by Garda management that as there will be an increase in the number of recruits in the Garda College from late November that the Garda College pool will be available to local community groups from that time on.
This access will be subject to individual community groups receiving the appropriate license from the OPW.
In 2017 governance measures were introduced that involved the granting of pool licenses by OPW to any group external to the Garda College who wished to use the pool.
Whilst Garda Management are consulted, licenses are issued by the OPW for the benefit of the local community on a not for profit or commercial basis.
