Dunmore East Swim Club is thrilled to see the launch of Ireland's first-ever Goverment's National Swimming Strategy 2024-2027. Swimming is Ireland’s second most popular participation sport and has the potential to be truly inclusive for all in society.

We will be breaking it down into three articles, each focusing on key aspects that matter most to our swimmers, coaches, and community.

1. Introduction of National Swimming Strategy 2024-2027 (This article)
2. Open Water Swimming
3. Dunmore East Swim Club

Introduction

Swim Ireland heralds National Swimming Strategy 2024-2027 as a transformative initiative, developed in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and other key stakeholders, aims to provide everyone in Ireland with an opportunity to swim. The strategy focuses on enhancing both indoor and outdoor swimming facilities and is backed by a new fund of up to €500,000 annually to support Swim Ireland swimming activators within local authority areas.

The strategy covers various aspects, including access, inclusion, and disability, infrastructure and facilities, education, lessons and coaching, open water swimming, and pathways and performance. It aims to dismantle barriers to access, plan and upgrade swimming facilities, grow the number of competent swimmers, enhance open water swimming facilities, and develop vibrant competition structures. The ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive, safe, and accessible swimming environment for all ages and abilities.

Key Themes of the Strategy:

1. Access, Inclusion, and Disability – Focuses on breaking down barriers and making swimming more inclusive for all, particularly people with disabilities and marginalized groups.
2. Infrastructure and Facilities – Plans to improve access to swimming pools and introduce innovative models like pop-up and modular pools.
3. Education, Lessons, and Coaching – Aims to enhance swimming education, encourage early participation, and address challenges in retaining swimming instructors.
4. Open Water Swimming – Promotes safety and improved facilities for outdoor swimming, including changing areas, waste management, and public awareness on water conditions.
5. Pathways and Performance – Supports participation at all levels, from recreational to competitive swimming, and ensures proper structures for high-performance athletes.

Goals and Implementation:

• Increased participation for underrepresented groups.
• Improved infrastructure, including new funding for swimming pools.
• Enhanced coaching and education programs in schools and communities.
• Stronger focus on sustainability and climate action in swimming facilities.
• Annual progress reviews starting December 2025.

The printed report will be available during Members' Time on Saturdays. Let us know if you'd like to borrow a copy!

Full Report

Download full report, click here