Curragh swimming pool reopens to public groups

Fianna Fáil Senator for Kildare South, Fiona O’Loughlin, has confirmed that the Curragh military swimming pool can reopen for use by local schools and community groups due to the recruitment of sufficient lifeguards, writes Brian Byrne.

The pool had previously been accessible to local schools, swimming clubs, and Defence Forces families, but has remained closed to the public since the COVID-19 pandemic. It underwent renovations in September 2024, costing nearly €300,000. However, the Defence Forces couldn’t recruit enough lifeguards at the time, preventing the public from using it.

Senator O’Loughlin confirmed that two full-time and two part-time lifeguards are now in place, allowing the pool to reopen.

She says it has been a “long-fought battle” to bring a public asset back into service and that she remains committed to securing funding and resources for a public swimming pool in Newbridge. "Kildare needs amenities that match its growth, and the reopening won’t stop this campaign."

Interested schools and community groups should contact estatemanagementcurragh@defence.ie to ask about pool availability.

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