Parents in Cavan are having to register their child for swimming lessons "as soon as they are born."
That's according to Councillor Philip Brady, who says the backlog at Cavan Leisure Centre pre-dates the Covid pandemic, with parents now unable to access swimming lessons for their child until August 2026.
Speaking at yesterday's Cavan County Council meeting, Cllr Phillip Brady raised his concerns in relation to the backlog.
Councillor Brady said he was aware of one person who has waited since 2017, adding that some parents who registered their child at birth for lessons are only receiving access now, six years on.
The Fianna Fáil representative warned that it is a "huge issue" for parents, and questioned if the current backlog was down to a staffing issue.
He further questioned why Covid regulations within the pool facility were still in place, as well as the compulsory online booking system, were parents have no other option but to book each child in individually.
When asked how such issues could be improved, Director of Services, Planning, Community and Economic Development, Brendan Jennings, stated that concerns in relation to the backlog of swimming lessons is something that has been around for "many years."
Mr Jennings said there is a "shortage of lanes" within the facility, with a "huge volume" of people wanting access to only a limited body of water.
He believes current pressures on the service have a lot to do with "capacity" adding that there are many other services and activities which take place in the pool, other than swimming lessons.
Mr Jennings said he believes that the Covid-19 pandemic is a contributing factor, with staff at the local leisure centre also trying to get through two years' worth of missed lessons.
He concluded that all in all, there is a huge volume of people wanting to access the pool, however the capacity for that is simply "just not there."
"All we can do," he added, is "try to reduce those waiting list issues that have been there for many years."
