Limerick pool and leisure centre officially reopens following €2.8m investment

LIMERICK City and County Council has announced the official reopening of Askeaton Pool & Leisure Centre today following an extensive refurbishment and flood-remediation programme.

Originally opened on January 20, 2008, the centre suffered repeated flooding in its plant room due to the River Deel bursting its banks. After careful review, redesign, and upgrade works, the facility is now fully restored, modernised, and re-equipped ready to serve the local community once again.

The project was supported by €1,265,750 in grants under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), complemented by matching funding from Limerick Council. In total, around €2.8m has been invested to bring the centre back into full operation.

Key works included raising the floor level of the water-treatment plant room, replacement of all mechanical and electrical systems, upgrades to the jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, gym and general repairs throughout the building, as well as installation of sustainable energy-efficient systems including air-to-water units, a rooftop solar-panel array, and a new biogas-fired heating system.

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Construction was carried out by Martins Construction Ltd., following a design by PUNCH Consulting Engineers and Don O’Malley & Partners Consulting Engineers with Tom McNamara & Partners providing cost management services.

The facility is affordable and accessible offering membership and pay-as-you-go-options. It is now being operated and managed by Swim Ireland, and locally managed by a new team, creating more than 20 jobs including management, lifeguards, receptionists and support staff.

At the official reopening of Askeaton Pool and Leisure, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said:

“The revitalisation of Askeaton Pool & Leisure Centre reflects our commitment to ensuring every corner of Limerick benefits from quality, modern and sustainable facilities. The incredible success of Team Ireland at the European Short Course Championships in Poland at the weekend, shows what is possible when we invest in our athletes from the earliest age. We are delighted to see this community resource return, better than ever, ready to serve families, sports clubs, fitness-enthusiasts, and all who wish to enjoy its amenities.”

Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Culture, Communication & Sport officially reopened the centre, saying:

“I am very pleased to re-open this centre today. This project illustrates what can be achieved when Government support, local commitment and a vision for sustainable, community-focused infrastructure come together. The refurbished centre will provide improved facilities for swimmers and gym-goers. The new energy-efficient systems also fit with our commitment to sustainability and responsible stewardship of public resources. I congratulate everyone involved and look forward to seeing this centre flourish for years to come.”

Cllr Ger Ward, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Adare-Rathkeale, commented:

“The re-opening of this facility is very welcome. I thank the Minister and his Department, the Council, the designers, the builders and all who contributed, but most of all I thank the people of Askeaton for their patience. I’m sure they will agree it was worthwhile, and we now have a facility that is more energy efficient and safeguarded for the future.”

Dr Pat Daly, Director General at Limerick Council added:

“We are proud to have worked alongside the community and our partners to deliver this transformation. The centre’s reopening is a testament to what can be achieved through careful planning, collaboration and community focus. Importantly, this centre has an ethos of affordability and accessibility to make sure it serves the wider community. It will once again become a focal point for sport, wellbeing and social connection in Askeaton and beyond for decades to come.”

Sarah Kelly, Operations Manager at Swim Ireland stated:

“Swim Ireland is delighted to take on the operation of Askeaton Pool and Leisure following the extensive renovations in recent years. The facility, in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, promises to offer a wide range of activities to engage the local community and we will endeavour to ensure everyone of all ages and abilities has access to the water and an opportunity to be part of our island of swimmers.”

Chairman of Askeaton Swimming Club, Ger O’Sullivan concluded:

“Askeaton Swimming Club is thrilled to see this fantastic facility fully reopen and our community back in the water. We look forward to working with Swim Ireland to grow participation, support young swimmers to reach their potential and ensure the pool continues to thrive as a centre of sport, health and community life for many years to come. This reopening marks a very positive milestone for the facility and for the wider West Limerick community.”

Askeaton Pool & Leisure Centre first opened on in January 2008, following a €3.8 million Government investment.

Over the years, persistent flooding of the plant room caused by overflow from the River Deel led to repeated damage. In 2018/2019 the Council submitted its first application under the LSSIF; a grant of €646,659 was awarded in 2020.

After the facility closed to the public on March 16, 2023, the Council lodged a second LSSIF application - and in 2022 was awarded a further €619,091, taking total LSSIF support to €1,265,750.

In addition to essential flood-remediation repairs, the refurbishment incorporated climate-friendly, energy-efficient upgrades including air-to-water heating, an 800 sqm rooftop solar panel system (100 kWp), and a switch to biogas-fired heating.

The overall investment in the project reached approximately €2.8m, with additional funding provided by the Council.