Deliver Public Swimming for Midleton and East Cork (Ringfenced Funding Already Available)

East Cork must secure government funding now to build a public swimming pool in Midleton—ensuring safety, equity, and access before resources are diverted elsewhere.

1. The opportunity:
Government funds for community pools are currently available and will be reallocated if East Cork does not apply. Comparable towns—such as Mallow and Fermoy—already benefit from such infrastructure.

2. The challenge:
Midleton, the largest urban area in Cork County without a public pool, lacks infrastructure for swimming education and accessibility. Over 22,000 residents, including 6,000 schoolchildren, currently face barriers to learning essential life-saving skills.

3. The implications:
Cork records the highest drowning deaths in Ireland, underscoring the public safety urgency. Absence of local facilities disproportionately affects children, older adults, and people with disabilities, deepening social inequality.

4. The case for action:
Public pools are not discretionary amenities; they are foundational health and safety infrastructure. Investment now secures equitable access, reduces preventable risks, and strengthens community well-being.

Therefore:
East Cork should act immediately to secure funding and deliver a public pool in Midleton—protecting residents, promoting fairness, and ensuring the county keeps pace with national safety and health standards.