15th April 2021
Tourism Minister Catherine Martin TD (left) pictured at Killiney Beach with Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly and Cllr Una Power, Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
Credit: Fáilte Ireland
Funding of €19 million will be used to build “world-class” facilities at 22 locations across the country where water-based activities are a key visitor attraction.
Tourism Minister Catherine Martin and Fáilte Ireland today (Thursday 15 April) launched the investment to meet what they have identified as a growing demand for activities such as kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and open-water swimming.
It’s envisaged that centres will provide hot showers, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment wash-down and orientation points.
Sea-swimming boom to see new facilities installed at locations around the country
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“The facilities are all-weather facilities so they are going to be unlike anything we currently have in Ireland and they will be a combination of what people may be used to seeing around the world.
“Basically, there will be an enclosed section to the building but it will be open on many sides.
“It will contain a number of showers, toilets, secure lockers and storage so people can leave their personal belongings while they are participating in their water-based activity.
“There will be an orientation area where visitors to the area who may not be familiar can understand what other things there are to do and see.