Daniel Wiffen Opens New Hydrotherapy Pool at ChildVision Dublin
There are milestones that matter, and then there are the ones that genuinely change lives. The opening of a brand new hydrotherapy pool at ChildVision’s campus in Drumcondra falls firmly into the second category — and it was none other than Olympic gold medallist Daniel Wiffen who did the honours.
The world champion swimmer officially opened the new dedicated facility at ChildVision’s 17-acre Drumcondra campus, joining children Leo Deaton (11), Malcolm Emerson (11), Leah Fitzpatrick (9) and Tom Fitzpatrick (9) to mark the occasion. For the children and families who will use this pool, it’s far more than a facility. It’s access, independence and the simple joy of being in the water.
What makes this pool so significant
ChildVision is Ireland’s national centre for children and young people with visual impairment, including those with multiple disabilities and complex needs. The new pool measures 13m x 4m and is fully accessible, featuring a hoist system that allows children with significant mobility needs to enter and exit the water safely and with dignity. That last word matters enormously.
Hydrotherapy uses the warmth and buoyancy of water to support movement, ease muscle tension, improve mobility and build confidence. For children with physical and complex needs, movements that feel out of reach on land can become possible in the water. It opens up a whole world of physical development, independence and — crucially — fun.
Any parent who has watched a child who usually struggles physically find their ease and freedom in a pool will understand exactly why this matters. The water is one of those rare equalising spaces.
Making a splash with young swimmers at ChildVision.
Daniel Wiffen on why this one is personal
Daniel Wiffen, who became a household name across Ireland after his gold medal win, spoke warmly about what the new facility represents. “Swimming has given me so much throughout my life, so it’s fantastic to see a facility like this being created to give children and young people the opportunity to experience the benefits of being in the water,” he said. “It’s particularly special to see a pool that has been designed with accessibility and inclusion at its heart, giving children the chance to develop, have fun and enjoy swimming in an environment where they feel comfortable and supported.”
It’s the kind of endorsement that carries real weight — not because of who he is, but because of what swimming clearly means to him.
A lasting resource for families across Ireland
The pool was made possible through a significant contribution from The Ireland Funds alongside support from the Tom Cunningham Trust. Barry Sheridan, CEO of ChildVision, described it as far more than a physical addition to the campus. “This is more than a pool,” he said. “It is a space for therapy, development, fun and family connection, and one that will benefit generations of children and young people.”
Siobhán Gallagher, Executive Director of The Ireland Fund, added that the legacy of Tom Cunningham — who loved swimming — will now live on in a very tangible way. “We are proud his legacy will live on here, making a lasting difference in children’s lives.”
Beyond the therapeutic side, ChildVision will also make the pool available for leisure swims — giving families a chance to simply enjoy time together in the water. For many families of children with complex needs, finding a fully accessible swimming facility is genuinely difficult. The fact that this one exists now, on a dedicated campus with specialist support around it, is a big deal.
ChildVision’s Drumcondra campus already provides an impressive range of services — from specialist clinical therapies and assistive technology to equine-assisted activities and adapted education. The hydrotherapy pool adds another vital dimension to what is already a remarkable resource for Irish families.