Summary: From 1 January 2026, we’re making some changes to swim training due to significant lane rental price increases. We’ve kept the most popular sessions at WestWood, reduced lanes for lower-attendance sessions at UCD and WW, and added a fantastic new option at the recently renovated Sean McDermott Street pool.
Hi Piranhas,
Due to significant lane rental price increases, which we have negotiated on, we’ve had to adjust some key sessions. We’re also introducing a great new pool, Sean McDermott St pool which (has been recently renovated) and is super central and handy. Swim Ireland has partnered with Dublin City Council to spruce up Sean McDermot St pool which celebrates the legacy of Sean McDermott, who was a passionate swimmer and a patriot. The pool is a symbol of resilience and hope for the future, perfect for Piranhas!
We’re keeping the most popular and most attended sessions at WestWood but reducing the number of lanes for sessions with lower attendance in both UCD and Westwood. Following the news of Ewa departing as coach, Niall and Candice will also step into coaching WestWood Tuesday/Thursday swims.
We, the committee, have worked hard to ensure consistency and quality swim training to you, our members. We’re looked at every available pool and scenario in Dublin as well as let the data from Glofox on lane utilisation guide this decision. No decisions have been made without thorough discussion and consideration.
We understand that these changes will be inconvenient for some of you and we wanted to share this information with you now so that you can make an informed decision about your membership renewal in January.
Please see complete table of changes below as well as comprehensive FAQ. For any further queries or concerns email chair@piranhatri.com
| Current Schedule | New Schedule | Change |
| UCD Mon 07.30 – 08.30 | UCD Mon 7.30 – 8.30 | Lanes reduced from 2 to 1 |
| UCD Wed 07.00 – 08.00 | UCD Wed 07.00 – 08.00 | No change |
| UCD Fri 07.00 – 08.00 | UCD Fri 07.00 – 08.00 | No change |
| WW Mon 21:00 – 22:00 | No Monday swim WW | Session removed |
| WW Tues 07:00 – 08:00 | WW Tues 07:00 – 08:00 | Coach change – Candice |
| WW Thurs 07:00 – 08:00 | WW Thurs 07:00 – 08:00 | Coach change – Niall |
| WW Fri 07:00 – 08:00 | SMD Fri 07:00 – 08:00 | Venue change |
| Westwood Sat 08:15 – 09:45 | WW Sat 08:15 – 09:15 | Session reduced from 90min to 60min, lanes reduced 3 to 2 |
| Westwood Sun 19:00 – 20:00 | SMC Sun 16:00 – 17:00 | Venue change, time change |
Read more about our new pool, Sean MacDermott Street Pool here
FAQs – Swim training changes
Q: Why are there changes to the swim training?
A: WestWood have significantly increased lane rental prices for clubs. After negotiations, we’ve agreed a lower rate with WW but it’s still over 2.5 times higher than before. This increase, combined with limited pool options in Dublin, means we needed to relook at our full mix of swim training options.
Q: When did the committee find this out and how long has the club known for?
A: This all came to light in November, so after the AGM. Hence the committee could not have raised this in October, during the AGM.
Q: How do WW prices compare to other pools?
A: Market research shows WW’s new pricing is at the higher end of the market, similar to UCD pool and above NAC. UCD have also increased their prices by around 14%.
Q: Can the club absorb these costs?
A: Unfortunately, no. We cannot absorb these price increases without making changes.
Q: What alternative pools have been secured?
A: We have contacted all pools in the Dublin area and we’’ve been very fortunate to secure lanes at Sean McDermott Street pool, a recently renovated 25m pool that has received investment from Swim Ireland. This helps us keep costs manageable and maintain training options.
Q: How were decisions made about which sessions to keep or move?
A: We analysed attendance data from Glofox to understand utilisation:
- Most popular sessions (Tues, Thurs, Sat) will remain at WW.
- Low-attendance sessions at WW (Friday and Sunday) will move to Sean McDermott Street.
- Monday evening WW session will be cancelled (low attendance and no alternative location available).
- Monday morning UCD session will continue but with fewer lanes due to low attendance.
Q: What if this doesn’t suit me?
A: As a club of 250+ members, it’s impossible to suit everyone’s complex schedules. It’s the committees role to agree on changes that suit the majority of the club and are in the best interests of as many members as possible.
Q: What if I want to voice my opinion?
A: You will! We need to try this first. Bear with us, give it a go – and early in the new year we will issue an anonymous survey so that we can hear from you, our member, how it’s going.
Q: When do these changes take effect?
A: All changes will start from 1 January, 2026.
Q: Will there be further changes?
A: We’ll continue to review attendance and costs, look for more solutions, and make adjustments as needed. For now, this is the plan.
Q: Why share this now?
We want to be transparent so members can make informed decisions before renewals in Jan.
Q: Will our club fees be increased?
A: As stated in our AGM, we are not increasing fees for the 2025-2026 season
Q: Where is Sean McDermott Street pool?
A: Sean McDermott Street Lower, Mountjoy, Dublin (https://share.google/weBPH6xvlAovfqf4r)
Q: What size is Sean McDermott Street pool?
A: 25m
Q: Will the change in pool length affect the quality of training?
A: No way! Using a 25m pool benefits triathletes by allowing for frequent turns, which builds leg strength, improves speed work, provides more feedback for technique correction, and offers variety (like backstroke) for recovery and muscle balance.
Q: Is there bike parking at Sean McDermott Street pool?
A: Yes, there is secure bike parking right outside the main entrance. There is also a room indoors that we can use to store bikes.
Q: Is there car parking at Sean McDermott Street pool?
A: There is pay and display on street parking from 7am – 7pm, Mon-Sat and there is paid parking in the church carpark beside the pool.
Q: What are the facilities at Sean McDermott Street pool??
A: There are separate changing rooms for men and women with hot showers and lockers available.
Q: Are there life guards on duty at Sean McDermott Street pool?
A: Yes
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