Edge: 'Not enough money to maintain the status quo' with pool

DESC confirms it will ask Tynwald to agree to closure of Southern Swimming Pool

Government says there isn’t enough money ‘to maintain the status quo’ with the Southern Swimming Pool. 

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture is preparing to ask Tynwald members to agree to the closure of the facility at the end of March. 

A report setting out ‘future options’ will be made public when it’s added to the Register of Business.

However it's already been leaked leading to outrage – in particular from MHKs in the south of the Island. 

Rushen MHK Juan Watterson has told Manx Radio he believes people should feel 'betrayed' by government. 

Tynwald requested that a costed, long-term, strategic plan to develop regional sports hubs be undertaken by DESC and the Department of Infrastructure in January 2023. 

This plan sets out a number of options for pools in the southern, northern and western facilities – which are managed by their joint local authority swimming pool board. 

Regional pools are funded through local rates, that total around £92,000, and an annual £1.75 million government subvention. 

The majority of this is used to cover operating costs and for the northern and western pool buildings loan repayments. 

However, budget forecasts for 2024/2025 indicate that an additional £602,000 will be required and the DESC claims there is ‘no scenario’ which would allow the department to increase the subvention. 

The DESC says closing the Southern Swimming Pool, due to its age, condition and loan free status, would save around £434,000 a year and allow the other pools to be supported within budget. 

Minister Julie Edge said: "This is a very difficult situation. 

"There isn’t enough money to maintain the status quo in this extremely challenging financial climate. 

"Whilst I understand the impact on the south of the Island, we are fortunate to have alternative facilities across the Island that can be accessed. 

"We have and will continue to explore all available options to ensure children, and the wider community, in the south will still be able to attend lessons, clubs and enjoy swimming with its proven benefits to health and wellbeing but accept this is not ideal.” 

Manx Radio has invited Minister Edge to comment further - we are awaiting a response.