Campaign to stop Newcastle’s iconic lido from hitting the rocks

A petition has been launched calling for the preservation of an historic outdoor swimming pool in Co Down.
The Rock Pool was constructed in 1933The Rock Pool was constructed in 1933
The Rock Pool was constructed in 1933

The online campaign to save the Rock Pool in the seaside town of Newcastle was launched recently by the Friends of the Rock Pool group and has so far attracted more than 700 signatures.

It calls on the local council to carry out the necessary repairs to the site and commit to keeping it open for future generations of swimmers.

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Newcastle’s Rock Pool first opened in the 1933 and served as a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike over the years.

An online campaign has been launched to save the lidoAn online campaign has been launched to save the lido
An online campaign has been launched to save the lido

Friends of the Rock Pool pointed out it is “one of Ireland’s last seawater pools...and has been training the locals to swim with confidence in seawater.”

The facility, however, has since fallen into disrepair and supporters want to see it restored to its former glory.

Writing on the petition one person said: “This iconic pool holds a place in a lot of our hearts.” Another commented: “I wish the pool was open all year round, what a great lido.”

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However, a local councillor has claimed it could cost between £1.5 - £5 million to fully restore the historic outdoor swimming pool.

DUP councillor Glyn Hanna said: “The pool is nearly 90 years old now. It is constructed out of concrete, which is old and cracked and leaking water.”

Cllr Hanna described changing facilities at the pool as “primitive”.

“It’s basically just a wall which you stand behind and put a towel around you. The filtration system for the sea water has been giving masses of problems for the last 10 years; most of the time it doesn’t work, it’s just done.”

He added that health and safety is also a big concern.

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“The health and safety in the 1930s was a lot different than what we have today. There would have to be a massive upgrade.”

Cllr Hanna claimed the best option for the pool would be a “complete reconstruction”, adding Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is currently considering how much this would cost.

Cllr Hanna said he would be “happy” for the council to put some money in, but not to fund it all.

“What I would like to see is it being substantially funded from outside funders and a complete refurbishment of the pool so that there will be minimal money spent on it in the next 20-30 years.”

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He pointed out the Rock Pool is open for a short period during the year, from mid-May to mid-September, and claimed it averages 50-60 users a week.

“The water in that pool is only 4-6 degrees Celsius. Do you think children will want to swim in that? Maybe there will be the hardy cases who will want to swim in it.”

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