Kerry County Council says it would need to find funding and undertake comprehensive consultation before it can look at building an outdoor swimming pool in Fenit.
Fianna Fáil councillor Mikey Sheehy told the recent Tralee Municipal District meeting that a tidal swimming pool in Fenit would be a tremendous asset to the area.
In 2023, Cllr Sheehy asked the council to investigate the possibility of development a natural outdoor saltwater pool at Fenit, through EU funding streams.
At the recent Tralee MD meeting, he asked what steps have been taken to progress or investigate this proposal.
The council responded that the development of additional outdoor infrastructure, such as an outdoor swimming pool, would require comprehensive consultation with the wider community.
The council said it would also require coordination among multiple stakeholders, and careful compliance with planning regulations designed to protect environmentally sensitive habitats.
The council said the feasibility of such a project would also depend on identifying a suitable funding source.
It said funding for a feasibility study may be eligible under a local development fund, and the community could try and secure this funding.
Cllr Sheehy said this is a great opportunity on our doorstep in Fenit, and it’s a sustainable project that should be looked at.
He said it would be a tremendous asset to Fenit, Tralee, and the county, to have one of these tidal pools there.
