Photo mobile phones have been banned at Nenagh swimming pool and leisure centre in Co Tipperary after a 12-year old girl was caught photographing an undressed woman in a changing room.
The girl was with a group of friends when she photographed the woman on January 23rd. She did not distribute the photo.
The woman informed lifeguards about the incident when she realised what had happened.
Lifeguards immediately contacted the gardaí who interviewed people who were in the dressing room at the time of the incident.
When they confiscated the girl's mobile phone they discovered the photo of the woman.
Insp John Lynagh confirmed that gardaí investigated the incident and discovered a child in possession of a phone with a photo of an undressed woman.
The incident was investigated under Section 18 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, which deals with any action that can "offend modesty", "cause scandal" or "injure the morality of a community".
However, because the offender is a juvenile, it is unlikely that a prosecution will follow.
Insp Lynagh said owners of leisure centres should have an obligation to ensure that photo mobile phones are not used on their premises.
"Potential embarrassment could be caused to people in a leisure centre or a swimming pool if they are photographed in a compromising situation, such as in a state of undress," he said.
Insp Lynagh said there also must be constraints put on young people using these picture mobile phones.
Gardaí are finalising their investigation into the incident.
Management of Nenagh swimming pool have erected a sign in the foyer of the building warning people that the use of photo mobile phones "is strictly prohibited".
Nenagh town clerk, Ms Jacqueline McGrath, said: "The council does not allow picture phones in our leisure centre.
"We have put up notices to tell people they are not allowed use these phones. We do not condone what happened."