“Controversy Erupts Over Swimming Pool Dilemma Faced by Ireland’s Vatican Envoy”

The swimming pool linked to Ireland’s Embassy to the Vatican nearly led to a diplomatic crisis.

The 17th-century estate located on Gianicolo Hill with a view of Rome included a swimming pool for the sweltering Italian summer days.

In November 1992, the Department of Foreign Affairs authorized work on the swimming pool, which commenced in January 1993 with the expectation of completion by April that same year.

From the outset, there were challenges with rusted pipes, leading to a stern letter from Embassy representative Eamon Mac Aodha to an Italian design firm.

He characterized the technical problems with the pool’s filtering system as a “disaster” requiring resolution, as the pool was operable only three weeks of the month.

He reminded the firm that the Embassy had invested 51.5 million Italian Lira (€26,600) in the refurbishment and an additional €1,750 for architectural fees.

“We are now stuck with a system that seems to be unusable for one week out of every four,” he stated. “Should this be accurate, pursuing legal action against the company cannot be dismissed.

“What is the benefit of having an automatic filtration system if it requires constant manual intervention? Once again, there was no indication that this might be the case.”

The most recent communication in the documentation is from December 1994, in which Mr. Mac Aodha addressed the Italian architectural firm, indicating that the ambassador’s spouse, Mrs. Ó Broin, was eager to seek “reimbursement” from another company for the services rendered.

“She recommends that a firm yet courteous note be sent, urging them to evaluate their stance and outlining the expenses, along with an acknowledgement of the implications of the photographs and her correspondence concerning the firm,” the letter stated.