June 7 Indicated as ROI Pool Reopening Date
Today we welcome indications in the media that tonight’s announcement will include a reopening date for swimming pools in the Republic of Ireland, but we share in everyone’s disappointment and frustration that this is not happening in May.
The positive news is that it is our understanding that when pools do reopen on June 7, clubs will be able to return to individual training in the same manner as they did in December.
It is also our understanding that Water Polo will be able to return to non-contact training at the same time, which we welcome.
The date is not what we wanted nor is it what we had put forward to the departments of Sport and Health, Sport Ireland and other key stakeholders, but this does finally provide us with a pathway for our Return to Water, and for that we are grateful.
As to why pools are not reopening sooner?
From discussions this morning with those key stakeholders we have received the following updates on the decision to open swimming pools on June 7:
- There is a focus on re-opening outdoor amenities in May
- Economic factors such as the numbers employed in retail were a contributing factor to re-opening retail services earlier than leisure and hospitality sectors
- There was a concern around re-opening too many sectors and services at one time, whilst the vaccination campaign is still being ramped up
The ups and downs of life in a pandemic continue, but what will never change is our love for the water, and as clubs start to return to outdoor activities in the build-up to those pools reopening, we continue to be on hand to support you in your endeavours – and we celebrate that when pools do reopen, it is the intention they are open for good.
