The third annual sponsored walk to raise funds for Portora Pool will take place on Sunday 1st of June at Castlecoole.

From 2006, Friends of Portora Pool have been meeting the majority of the shortfall between the cost of running the pool and the money raised from ticket sales. This year as in previous years, the event is the cornerstone in fundraising activities for the Pool. They are mindful of the huge increase in fuel costs and the impact that this will have on heating the pool.

In recent years the pool has suffered from leaking pipes. Every gallon which escapes must be replaced by fresh mains water.

This water is metered and must also be heated to pool temperature. Eliminating leaks would reduce heating costs, as well as water charges. This year they aim to replace the leaking pipework if fundraising permits.

Next year they will target the pool heating system. Thee would hope to find a more cost efficient heating method than the current oil fired boiler.

The overall objective of Friends of Portora Pool is to ensure the survival of the Pool. They wish to maintain ticket prices at levels that are affordable to all. The pool provides excellent value for money and has always compared well with other holiday activities. By progressively reducing the running costs, the group aims to reach a situation where ticket sales will more or less cover the running costs.

They would hope that many more children will learn to swim in the pool in future years and that it continues to be a valuable cross community institution that Fermangh can be proud of.