Delays and 'exponential increases' in costs led to Kilkenny's Watershed missing out on €2.1m grant
The Watershed and Kilkenny County Council said it was 'extremely disappointing' that the programme of improvements could not proceed, despite significant grant funding having been secured
Delays and ‘exponential increases’ in the costs of construction, material, energy and labour are the reasons the Watershed missed out on a €2.1 funding allocation toward a major upgrade project, which has fallen by the wayside.
In a joint statement issued today, the Watershed and Kilkenny County Council, set out how various delays resulted in costs spiralling far beyond what was initially envisioned. It said it was ‘extremely disappointing’ that such an important programme of improvements could not proceed.
“The Watershed initially successfully secured substantial funding through the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund and the Sports Capital programme for an ambitious programme of enhancement and accessibility works. The proposed investment included a new hydrotherapy pool, two flume waterslides, full refurbishment of the changing village, refurbishment and enhancement of the gym, works to the balcony, refurbishment of the first-floor offices area, and associated site and drainage works,” the statement says.
“Considerable work was undertaken by The Watershed to develop the projects, secure the funding and progress the programme through professional design and pre-tender costing, with The Watershed Board kept fully informed throughout the process. However, the lengthy period between the original grant applications, provisional approval and reaching procurement, together with the delays caused by Covid, meant that the original costings could not keep pace with the exceptional increases in construction, material, energy and labour costs.
“By June 2025, the independently assessed cost of the combined programme had reached approximately €7.5 million. Despite significant grant funding having been secured and every effort being made to obtain additional funding and identify a viable way forward, the remaining gap was simply too substantial for Kilkenny County Council and The Watershed to bridge.
“It was extremely disappointing that such an important programme of improvements could not proceed. Investment in the facility has continued where possible, including the upgrade and extension of the gym in 2026, improving accessibility. The Watershed, its Board and Kilkenny County Council remain committed to investing in the facility, and The Watershed will continue to actively pursue future grant opportunities to deliver priority projects individually, particularly major customer-facing improvements such as the swimming pool changing village.”