Swimming at the Dinan
The summers were worderful times for my young family growing up
in Ballyragget. Most of their summer holidays were spent at The Dinan.
The younger ones would paddle at the lower end of the bridge while
the older ones would swim at the upper end.
My wife was happy to sit on the bank watching them.
Then all of a sudden it was gone.
For some reason, Health and Safety, Insurance, Water Quality or
farmers in the vicinity, I don't know, but a very valuable amenity was
suddenly closed and taken from the community. Visitors could no longer
access the upper area as before.
Kilkenny is very much an inland county and this fact becomes
immediately apparent to anyone coming here from costal areas.
In the absence of access the sea planning departments in the inland counties
should make more sections of rivers available to the community for
their enjoyment, for swimming especially. This is very important for people
of all ages not just the young . Flouridated swimming pools is not an
alternative to access to water in a natural setting.
I am not looking for a major development. Just to restore it to how
it was thirty years ago, no Hurdy Gurdies required.
I understand parking would be a concern but this could be secured within a
five minute walk of the bridge.
Only Kilkenny County Council with all its powers can restore the Dinan
to its former glory.
That The Dinan Bridge amenity should be reopened and restored