THE success of the North’s swimmers at the 2024 Olympics in Paris has shown the need for the Lakeland Forum’s pool to remain open, a local swimming club has maintained.
A multi-million-pound modernisation redevelopment is set to take place at the Forum, and while no date has been announced for when this will begin, it is expected that the major project will get underway in the coming months and will see the facility closed for three years.
However, the Enniskillen Lakelanders Swimming Club warned that any closure without an alternative pool being provided would harm the prospects for local swimmers for years to come and ruin any aspirations they may have of taking part in future Olympics.
“The inspirational success of Daniel Wiffen, Mona McSharry, and Jack McMillan – all who have grown from grassroots Swim Ulster Clubs – again highlights the utmost importance of pool access for everyone,” a frustrated Lakelanders spokeswoman said.
“Team Ireland also had both male and female relay teams qualify and put in record-breaking performances in Olympic finals.
“Statistically, Ireland has ended up as the most successful country per percentage of population at the Paris Olympics, and grassroots swimming clubs throughout the island of Ireland have had a massive role in that.
“The Fermanagh and Omagh District Council must act now to adjust their planning to move forward with an alternative site for new leisure facilities in Enniskillen, leaving the Forum open throughout the construction of the new leisure centre.”
Wiffen, who won gold in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 1500m freestyle for Ireland, swam in the Lisburn area regularly and trains at South Lake Leisure Centre Craigavon when he’s home from Loughborough University in England.
McSharry, who won bronze in the 100m breaststroke for Ireland, swam for Ballyshannon Marlins, a rural club like the Lakelanders.
McMillan won gold in the 200m freestyle relay team for GB and is still an affiliated member of Bangor Swimming Club.
“Ireland would not see any of this success at European Championships or indeed the Olympics if not for local pools and grassroots swimming clubs,” the Lakelanders spokeswoman continued.
The spokeswoman also claimed that local families were turned away from the Forum pool over the weekend as they were at maximum capacity and could not accommodate any more swimming in the pool.
The Council has said “interim considerations” for the closure period include delivering fitness and recreation, such as swimming, gyms and fitness, at various locations in Enniskillen and throughout the county.
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