Curragh pool refurb completed 

After being closed for nearly five years, the refurbishment work at the Curragh Camp swimming pool has been completed.

“I have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the Curragh swimming pool is reopened beyond present capacity,” said Senator Fiona O’Loughlin.

Civilian lifeguards are being sought to staff the facility, and when contracted it is hoped the pool can re-open fully to the public.

“While the swimming pool is an important Defence Forces asset, I believe that it should also be a community asset servicing the Newbridge and Curragh area whilst we await a public swimming pool,” she said.

Under the present agreement access will be given to local schools, military families and swimming clubs.

Last April, frustrated with the four-year closure, local councillors wrote to the Minister of Defence to try and find out what the delay is in re-opening the swimming pool in the Curragh Military Camp.

“Since the Curragh pool closed for Covid the people of Newbridge have no access to a swimming pool,” sad cllr Peggy O’Dwyer back in April.

“The Gables (Guesthouse) pool has closed, and the only one left now in Newbridge is in the privately-owned Keadeen (Hotel), so I would like to get back in contact with the Curragh to find out when,” she said.

The pool – though not open directly to the public – has been used by schools and special needs groups from the Newbridge hinterlands for swimming lessons.

The pool received a major €2m re-fit back in 1998, but was closed in March 2020 for public health reasons when the pandemic hit.

In September 2023, local Senator O’Loughlin revealed that the pool was to begin “remedial works” on the 15 December at a cost of €200,000 – believed to be an overhaul of the dressing rooms and showers.

“The project documentation for the necessary remedial works in order for the pool to function properly are live on e-tenders with a closing date of the 3rd of October,” she said.

“Those who had a connection with the Curragh Camp, essentially by being a member of a military family, as well as local schools and clubs, had the opportunity to use the Curragh swimming pool previously, and whilst there was never universal access, for those who could use the pool and facilities, it was a really important resource,“ she said.

“There is a need for a public swimming pool in the Newbridge area, but in the interim, I am keen to see the pool reopened to families of personnel and local schools".