Three of Dublin's best known public swimming pools face closure by Dublin City Council, as it explores ways to cut expenditure.

Meanwhile, Dublin councillor Nial Ring said the council supplied almost €60,000 in grants to private swimming pools over the last three years.

Three public swimming pools – on Sean McDermott Street, Crumlin and Coolock – all face an uncertain future as their finances come under scrutiny.

A report is currently being prepared by a sub group of the Arts, Culture, Leisure and Youth Affairs Strategic Policy Committee in the council.

Ring said the three pools have an annual expenditure of €1.3m, and an income of €197,000. The majority of their funding comes from Dublin City Council.

"I am complet­ely opposing any talk of closing down these basic community facilities, and figures show that they are of huge benefit to the public."

According to Ring, figures from the council show that over 38,000 paying locals have used the pools this year, while 67,182 members have used the facilities at the three pools.

He said Dublin City Council has donated €60,000 in recent grants to private pools. "I have discovered that private swimming pools such as the Trinity Sports and Leisure Club in Donaghmede have been receiving grants of between €5,000 and €16,000 – and overall it adds up to €60,000. This is while they talk about the possibility of closing down the public facilities," he said.

Local Crumlin councillor Marie Metcalfe said she will oppose any plans to close down the swimming pools.

"This is a huge community issue for us. In an area that is always being black-marked for crime, these pools are something good and positive for those who live here. I have a list of names from pre-schools, schools and general users of the pool who will petition should the report deem that they should be closed."

Metcalfe fears it may be bad news. "I know we have a battle on our hands to keep them open."