Residents voice concerns over aquatic centre plans

Residents close to Cappagh Park in Knocknacarra have expressed serious concerns about the potential impact of a proposed new aquatic centre for their locality that could attract up to 6,000 users per week.

In a submission to the City Council, the residents of the Lios Mór estate – that adjoins Cappagh Park – have warned that the proposed centre would be two to three times the size of the existing community centre.

“It would stretch from the side of the Community Centre, through the playground, and down towards the river.

“Consequently, green areas and trees on the site would be removed and parking, as we understand it for 192 cars, would be carved out,” the residents state.

For the proposed aquatic centre to go ahead, a variation of the City Development Plant, 2017-2023, will be required, to add in a ‘special development objective’ for the recreational and amenity zoned Cappagh Park lands.

A spokesperson for the City Council told the Galway City Tribune that submissions in regard to this variation had closed on August 31.

“A report is now being prepared by the Chief Executive [Brendan McGrath] for submission to the Council within the next six weeks, which will be discussed at a full meeting of the City Council,” said the City Council spokesperson.

One of the main concerns of local residents relates to parking and traffic issues where problems already exist with matches and training sessions in the adjoining playing fields.

“With the number of daily users predicted, it is inevitable that all estates surrounding Cappagh Park would be over-run with traffic at all times if the development went ahead,” the residents state.

They also point to environmental issues such as the current designation of the site as an area of special conservation [SAC] and the need to protect local flora and fauna in Cappagh Park.

Residents in their submission also point to health and safety issues relating to traffic; possible anti-social behaviour; and the viability of the new facility, given that there are seven other swimming pools and fitness centres within 5km of Cappagh Park.

They have also suggested that an alternative to the Cappagh Park site would be the possible redevelopment of Leisureland – also due to be developed and extended over the next 15 years.

“We contend that this [Leisureland] would be a better site for the proposed aquatic and fitness centre – it is larger, more accessible, has better parking and is in a public area,” the residents state.

Local area councillor, Donal Lyons, said that while the aquatic centre development was a very ambitious and exciting one for the area, the very real concerns of local residents had to be addressed comprehensively.

“The proposed aquatic and water polo facility is one with a lot of potential for Galway but what is absolutely essential is that all the concerns of local residents are taken on board and dealt with openly and clearly,” said Cllr. Lyons.

Some estimates put the cost of the aquatic centre project in at between €11m and €15m, with a large chunk of the funding coming from the national Large Scale Sports Infrastructural Fund (total €100m).

The aquatic centre would consist of a 34 x 25 metre pool, capable of hosting water polo matches as well as a state-of-the-art gym, fitness studios, café, extended car-park and ancillary facilities.

The national sports fund has already made a preliminary provision of €23m for the redevelopment of the Galway Sportsground as the home ground for Connacht Rugby.