Four Cork Beach Locations to Benefit as €400,000 Outdoor Swimming Fund Announced

Four Cork beach locations are set to receive new beach wheelchairs and storage facilities as part of a €400,000 national funding package announced today under the Healthy Ireland Outdoor Swimming Initiative.

Front Strand Beach in Youghal, Garryvoe Beach, Warren Beach in Rosscarbery, and Garretstown and Garylucas Beaches will share in Cork's €25,000 allocation under the scheme, which supports outdoor swimming locations across 17 local authority areas nationwide.

The announcement was made by Jennifer Murnane O'Connor TD, Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, as part of a wider initiative to improve access to outdoor swimming at rivers, lakes, beaches and outdoor pools around the country.

Improvements supported by the initiative include accessible changing shelters, swim ladders, safety equipment, beach wheelchairs, hoists and shower facilities, with a particular focus on making locations more accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor TD said:

"I am delighted to announce €400,000 in funding under the Healthy Ireland Outdoor Swimming Initiative to support the development of safe, accessible outdoor swimming locations across the country.

Outdoor swimming offers significant physical and mental health benefits, and this investment will help more people of all ages and abilities to enjoy these amenities in their local communities. I look forward to seeing these improvements delivered in advance of the 2026 season."

Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said:

"Sport and physical activity transform lives - building friendships, reducing isolation, strengthening communities, and delivering undeniable health benefits. The Healthy Ireland Outdoor Swimming Initiative is a strong example of this in action. By opening up rivers, lakes and coastal locations to more people, this initiative extends those benefits further - making sport accessible and enjoyable for communities across the country.

…Every person we reach is a step toward a healthier, more connected Ireland."

Mary McMorrow, CEO of Swim Ireland, said:

"Swim Ireland warmly welcomes the allocation of funding under the Healthy Ireland Outdoor Swimming Grant Fund and is pleased to continue supporting the Minister, the Department of Health and Sport Ireland in advancing projects that will make outdoor swimming more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for communities across Ireland.

Improving access to Open Water swimming is an important part of delivering the National Swimming Strategy and its vision of providing everyone in Ireland with an opportunity to swim. Ireland is fortunate to have an extraordinary natural swimming environment across our seas, lakes and rivers, and investment in practical improvements such as safer access points, changing facilities, handrails, showers and accessible equipment can make a real difference to people's confidence and ability to take part.

Outdoor swimming supports physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection. By working with local authorities, Local Sports Partnerships, Healthy Ireland and Sport Ireland, we can help more people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy the benefits of swimming in safe and welcoming outdoor spaces."

The funding will be disbursed by Sport Ireland on behalf of the Department of Health.