Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I thank the Deputies. I can hear that both of them are greatly concerned about what has happened. Regarding the length of time the pool has been out of action, significant mechanical and electrical issues have been identified at the Ferryhouse pool and sports complex. The pool was closed due to a failure of the electrical periodic testing in response to a notification of hazard issued by the electrical contractor on 20 February 2025. On receipt of this information about a significant issue with the pool, it needed to be drained and, unfortunately, will remain closed until further notice.

Turning to the reopening of Ferryhouse swimming pool, Tusla commissioned a mechanical and electrical consultant to carry out further investigations, which saw significant mechanical and electrical issues identified during an assessment. Regrettably, due to these issues, the mechanical and electrical plant serving the pool and sports complex has been deemed to be at end of life and unsafe for continued use. Tusla received an initial cost report at the end of June from the mechanical and electrical consultant, which includes an estimate of the associated costs for mechanical and electrical works only. Tusla has since requested a detailed breakdown and prioritisation of the works required. Tusla fully understands and regrets, as does the Minister, the closure of the facility to members of the public. However, at this point in time and awaiting more details on costs involved, Tusla is not in a position to provide further information regarding the future of the complex. The delay in resolving this matter is primarily due to the complexity of the sports and pool facilities at the Ferryhouse campus. The assessment conducted by the mechanical and electrical consultant required considerable time to complete, followed by the drafting of the preliminary report. Additionally, compiling the full scope of associated costs requires input from various specialist services.

Tusla’s core priorities lie in the delivery of essential services for children and families, including child protection and welfare, educational welfare, psychological services, alternative care, family and community-based supports, and early years services. In this context, significant investment in a public sports complex and pool may not align fully with the organisation’s primary remit. As such, any decisions regarding the future of the facility will need to be carefully considered in light of the more detailed final report and cost analysis.

Tusla is in the process of developing a capital plan to invest in Tusla services on the Ferryhouse campus. This investment will see the campus utilised by various services across Tusla, including, but not limited to, social work services, therapy services, regional services, workforce learning and development and separated children seeking international protection. Those are just some of the services. All these services will benefit the local community.

Moving to the next steps, which I know are what the Deputies are interested in, further discussions with the local authority and the local sports partnerships will now be required on the future operating model and appropriate funding mechanisms given the scale of investment required and the ongoing operating costs associated with the operation of the swimming pool. Tusla welcomes suggestions from local authorities or sports partnerships to work together to find a way forward to the resolution of the closure of the swimming pool. Tusla will continue to engage with all stakeholders to find an appropriate solution for the long-term future of the swimming pool at Ferryhouse.

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