24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow sea swimmers get new changing area – ‘There used to be nine of us in the van!'
The result of consultation with local swimmers and a license agreement between Wicklow County Council (WCC) and landowner Roadstone, the new facilities include changing screens, a bike stand, planters and a lifeguard hut for the summer months.
Part of a Coastal Blueway project to improve maritime facilities between Bray and Arklow, and funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and WCC, the upgrades have been celebrated by crowds of walkers, beachgoers and The Cove's elated community of swimmers – who include groups named
A proud member of that growing community who was eager to see the project come to fruition before the chilly winter months, Tony Neary played a key role in its development, acting as a middleman on behalf of swimmers between WCC and Roadstone.
Delighted with the quality of work carried out, he praised WCC and Roadstone before explaining how the project came together and how much value the facilities will provide for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
'The Cove is basically the last bit of a beach we have left here in Arklow and hundreds and hundreds of people go down there all year round, even during the winter,' he began.
'There's the early morning group, 'The Delightful Dippers' who go down at 8/8.30 am, 'The Gone Wrong Club' (10 am), 'Hungry for Hypothermia' (12 pm), then you have 'The Badasses' who are the elites and run swim competitions, mainly on Saturday afternoons.
'We have moonlight swims several times during the year and dress up for Christmas Day, Valentine's Day and Paddy's Day, which is great craic.
'Over time, we were looking for a changing area and a bike stand, just to upgrade the area a little bit.
'We always get great cooperation from Roadstone, and without them, nothing would happen out there. Over the years, we've had loads of meetings with them, and they've always come through. Roadstone knows The Cove is the heart and soul of the town.
'In recent months, I've been dealing with a couple of girls from Wicklow, Carol and Sol, who contacted us and did the deal with Roadstone, with myself acting as the middleman between them, telling them what the swimmers and users would like.
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'Now that the works are done, Jesus, they have done a great job down there,' he continued.
'I'm not sure you could make a comparison now because it looks so well, as it was a bit of a mess before.
'We've got the flower pots, we've got the bike stand, they moved the lifeguard coat down there for the summer and we've also got a changing wall.
'Looking forward, the other improvements that they will be looking at are a couple of little picnic benches and some nice signage.
'We have a beautiful walkway thanks to Roadstone, which a lot of people use, so this is all huge for the entire community, and we couldn't be happier or more thankful to Roadstone and WCC for making it happen.
I would also like to acknowledge the work of Cllr Pat Fitzgerald who many years ago originally acted on our behalf with Roadstone our main concern then was access to the beach which Pat got us, another key figure worthy of special mention is Roadstone foreman Peter Farrell who is always approachable and will help out in anyway he can.
As Tony explained, the changing screens will not only provide a place to sit and wipe the sand from between the toes after a bracing swim, but also some sorely needed refuge for those brave enough to take the plunge when sea temperatures are at their coldest.
'Although it would be great to have a roof on them, the changing screens are a big addition, as people would have to run back to their cars after a dip during the winter months,' he said.
'I resorted to buying an old Volkswagen campervan for our group, and there used to be nine of us (and a dog) in the van. It was crowded, but everybody would bring a cup of coffee, chill out, and have the craic, but it wasn't ideal.
'I suppose, that tells you a lot, and that's why these facilities were so badly needed. The Cove means a lot to people, and it's a huge outlet for physical and mental well-being.
'Particularly during Covid, lots of people came back to The Cove who wouldn't have swum for years, as it was within the allowed radius,' he added.
'People found it gave them a tremendous boost, particularly with their mental health, and just lifted their spirits. It certainly does for me.
'The other thing is, when you go down there and do your swim in that cold water, you challenge yourself, and it really sets you up for the day, making you feel you've already accomplished something not everyone would want to do.'
Echoing Tony's compliments to WCC and Roadstone, local councillor Warren O'Toole said that delivery of the facilities before the summer had prompted a buyout mood among The Cove community.
'This is what happens when people work together, a massive thanks to Roadstone who allowed these works to take place and assisted with some of the works,' he said.
'These works were facilitated by WCC and the County Wicklow partnership, who have put a massive amount of work into getting this done.'
'Thanks to Wicklow County Council and County Wicklow Partnership for listening to the community of sea swimmers at our precious Cove Beach – it just shows that with proper consultation and communication, good things happen,' Cllr Peir Leonard added.
'Thanks to Roadstone also for giving the license to install the shelter and the lifeguard hut – hopefully, they will come on board with more community partnership projects further along the coastline going forward.
'As we all are well aware, it's so important to keep access open to all our beaches and coastline and safeguard it for future generations.'
