The rise in Coque fares continues to cause a stir. In a parliamentary question, the MP 
The issue that most directly affects the general public is undoubtedly the admission charge for children at the aquatic centre. This has risen from €2.30 to €3, an increase of more than 30%. Mars Di Bartolomeo finds this increase difficult to justify, emphasising the importance of making sport accessible to young people.
The government responds that this increase is not aimed solely at children. According to Martine Hansen, all price categories – adults, children, students and senior citizens – have been reviewed to take account of rising costs. The minister also points out that swimming pool prices had not been adjusted since 2017 and that the Coque is seeking to maintain “a balanced pricing policy” that strikes a balance between affordability and economic realities.
Government funding up by 47.6%
Another point to note from this parliamentary response is that this increase is expected to have only a limited financial impact. The Coque estimates that the increase in the child fare alone will generate around €7,400 in additional revenue per year, based on approximately 10,600 admissions recorded in 2025.
The ministerial response also sheds light on the institution’s finances. The State’s contribution has risen from €7.31m in 2022 to €10.79m in 2026, representing a 47.6% increase over four years. The organisation had also received exceptional compensation to offset soaring energy costs, amounting to €349,489 in 2022 and €149,000 in 2023. After two years of losses, the Coque returned to profit with a surplus of €47,468 in 2024, followed by €76,733 in 2025.
The minister also points out that €1.39m has been allocated to the replacement of equipment in 2025, which is more than the €875,000 initially provided for in the state grant. The difference was funded by the institution’s renewal fund, notably to modernise technical equipment, furniture, sports equipment and IT equipment.
