A new 25m floating open water swimming pool, a dedicated children's area and a canoe launch area are part of the redeveloped swimming facility that has officially opened in Banagher, Co Offaly.
The pool provides a year-round open water swimming amenity for the local community and visitors.
The project received over €616,000 in funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs.
The local community raised €156,000 in match funding, reflecting the strong local commitment to the redevelopment.
Central to the project is a new 25m floating open water swimming pool, designed to adapt to fluctuating river levels and improve access for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
The facility also includes a recreational seating area with sheltered pods on the pontoon.
It is hoped the newly enhanced amenity will strengthen Banagher’s reputation as a destination for outdoor recreation and water-based tourism along the River Shannon for both domestic and international visitors.
John Butler, from the Shannon Bank Park Trustees Community Group, said the project was the culmination of a number of years of hard work and dedication by a group of volunteers who have demonstrated a deep commitment to the delivery of the project.
"The Shannon Bank Park has been in community ownership since 1955 and this development will provide an iconic and fully accessible outdoor swimming facility for further generations throughout the region," he said.
The new floating jetty at Shannonbridge Marina, developed by Waterways Ireland in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, was also officially opened.
The new infrastructure increases mooring capacity while enhancing accessibility and safety for recreational water-based activities along the River Shannon.
Speaking at the official opening event, Minister for Tourism Peter Burke said the projects "are excellent examples of how targeted investment through the EU Just Transition Fund and Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme is delivering real, tangible benefits for communities across the midlands".
Fáilte Ireland CEO Caroline Bocquel said the investment of over €1 million across both regenerative tourism initiatives helps to maximise one of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands’ key natural assets, the River Shannon.
"By developing tourism amenities with a strong focus on accessibility and sustainable, water-based recreation, this investment is strengthening the appeal of the region for both domestic and international visitors," she said.
