Council Argument on Pool Doesn’t Hold Water

This week, I voiced my concerns about claims by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council that the age profile of the Stillorgan area could present challenges for the future sustainability of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool.

The argument put forward that an ageing population is an impediment to the redevelopment of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool just doesn’t hold any water.  Given the worryingly high rates of obesity in our over-50s, a local swimming pool for the people of the greater Stillorgan area is equally important for those in middle-age as it is for children.

Swimming has incredible health benefits and it is critical that as people between 45 and 54 age, they are encouraged by local authorities to take part in such physical activity.

CSO figures show that those aged 45-54 in Stillorgan outnumber those between 0-10 by 29%.  It is crucial that the pool’s development is progressed so this group can feel the full benefits into old age.

It is counterintuitive to say that an ageing population should be a barrier to the pool’s development.  We needn’t look further than the Council’s own amenities in Meadowbrook to see that our older citizens regularly make great use of the swimming facilities on offer.  It is a vital resource for older people who can continue swimming long after they move on from other sporting activity.