Donegal County Council has spent more than €2.8 million subsidising the operation of four public swimming pools over the past three years.
That’s according to figures obtained by Donegal Daily under a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
The pools – located in Letterkenny, Stranorlar, Ballyshannon, and Bundoran – received public funding through a combination of operating contributions, loan charge payments, and capital investment in energy efficiency.
The council currently subsidises the following facilities: Aura Leisure Centre, Letterkenny; Finn Valley Swimming Pool, Stranorlar; Ballyshannon Leisure Centre and Waterworld Bundoran.
Financial Breakdown (2021–2023)
Between 2021 and 2023 (2024 figures were not available at the time of the request), the council contributed:
- €2.2 million in operational funding (running costs/heat & electricity)
- €318,000 in loan charges (paid directly to the lender)
- €278,000 in capital and energy upgrades
The Finn Valley Swimming Pool (main pic) received the largest share, with €1.25 million allocated over three years, followed by Letterkenny’s Aura Leisure Centre (€784,967), Ballyshannon Leisure Centre (€402,649), and Waterworld Bundoran (€361,587).
The local authority’s operating contribution to the Finn Valley pool went from €175,000 in 2021 to €250,000 in 2022, rising sharply to €476,910 in 2023 (Total: €901,910). Energy consumption is a major factor in these costs. However, the council said a €200,000 grant was secured in 2023 for retrofitting, including a Building Management System and new energy meters.
In comparison, the operating contribution to Waterworld Bundoran went from €183,000 in 2021 to just €20,000 in each of the years 2022 and 2023 (Total: €223,000).
When asked how many meetings had been held between the council and the Finn Valley pool management company to address the spiralling costs, they said just seven board meetings took place during the period 2022 to 2024.
“However, during that time many other meetings occurred between Council senior staff and the Operational and Finance Sub-Committee,” they added. “These meetings related primarily to finance and energy matters.”
The company board comprises six nominees from Finn Valley Athletic Club, four elected members, and two nominees of the Chief Executive of Donegal County Council.
In comparison, 32 board meetings took place during the same period at Ballyshannon Leisure Centre, 13 in Bundoran and 11 at the Letterkenny Sports Complex Development Company (Aura).
Each facility is managed by a company affiliated with the council, with boards comprising both local elected officials and council appointees.
Energy Overhauls Underway
All four pools have either completed or initiated energy efficiency upgrades in efforts to reduce long-term costs and environmental impact, the council said.
- Aura Leisure Centre: Plans are underway to switch from oil to biomass this year, with funding applications in preparation for the SEAI Support Scheme for Renewable Heat.
- Finn Valley Swimming Pool: Secured a €200,000 grant for retrofitting including a Building Management System and new energy meters.
- Ballyshannon Leisure Centre: Completed installation of an air-to-water heat pump and solar PV panels, projected to save €35,000 annually.
- Waterworld Bundoran: Included in the national Pathfinder programme with tenders issued for air handling unit upgrades and changing room renovations. Work is ongoing and due to be completed this season.
Each of these facilities is controlled/managed by an associate company of Donegal County Council. The boards of each of these companies have directors appointed by the elected Council and/or the Council’s Chief Executive.
The Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny is owned by the Letterkenny Sports Development Company (CLG). Aura Leisure and Sports Management Limited manages the swimming pool under licence.
The Finn Valley Swimming Pool is owned by Finn Valley Swimming Pool CLG, an associated company of the council operated in partnership with Finn Valley Athletic Club. The construction of the facility was funded from capital grants and borrowing. The loan repayments are paid by the council directly to the lender. All other contributions were made to the company.
Ballyshannon Leisure Centre is owned by Donegal County Council and managed by Ballyshannon Leisure Centre Management Company (CLG) on behalf of the council.
Waterworld Bundoran is owned by Donegal County Council and managed by Bundoran Waterworld Company (CLG) on behalf of the council.
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