McEntee welcomes €20,570 grant for Kells swimming pool

Kells Swimming Pool is to receive a grant of €20,570 under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport administers the programme which provides grant aid to local authorities towards the cost of construction or refurbishment of public swimming pools. "I was delighted to get this good news for Kells from my colleague, Minister of State Michael Ring," said Minister of State and Meath East TD, Shane McEntee. "The Kells pool has been serving the people of the town and surrounding areas for the past 35 years. It is truly a 'community' amenity because it was built on land donated by the local Catholic parish and the people of Kells themselves originally raised £25,000 towards the project," he said. Meath County Council owns and operates the pool. Every week, it plays host to thousands of people who enjoy the sport of swimming, some for fitness and others chasing elusive medals. He pointed out that the 25-metre pool has a shallow pool, sauna, disabled changing area and hoist. Cllr Sarah Reilly said she was delighted that the government had listened to the anger and disappointment which she expressed when Kells Swimming Pool was not included in the first round of grant offers. "When I heard the Kells Pool had been overlooked for the first round of grants, I spoke to the Department of Tourism and Minister McEntee and expressed my real frustration. I'm delighted that they listened and took note but, most of all, I am delighted for the staff of the pool, as I know this funding will assist them in their efforts to provide a first class service," she said.