Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Jul 1991

Vol. 410 No. 2

Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Regulations.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

140 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment the controls under which swimming pools are operated; if he will outline the conditions under which a local authority or a private concern can run a swimming pool; the number of staff who have to be in attendance when the pool is open; the qualifications the staff must have; the number of showers and size of changing area required; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

The Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948, empowers sanitary authorities to provide and maintain public swimming pools and make by-laws for the regulation of swimming pools, including non-local authority facilities to which the public have access, in their functional areas.

The staffing of swimming pools is a matter for the sanitary authorities. The National Safety Council have issued guidelines on swimming pool safety and these give some advice on pool supervision and staffing. I am arranging to have a copy sent to the Deputy. In November 1986, my Department issued a guideline specification for local authority swimming pools and for pools provided by other bodies with the aid of grants from local authorities, which covers such matters as the recommended number of showers and size of changing areas. A copy of this document is also being sent to the Deputy.