Askeaton Swimming Club 'deeply concerned' at plans to close Limerick pool for 12-months

OFFICIALS of a Limerick swimming club have expressed shock and deep concern at plans to close the local pool in Askeaton for 12-months.

Last week, a Limerick City and County Council statement confirmed the Askeaton facility would close on March 16 for remedial works to the plant room.

This Bank Holiday Monday, Askeaton Swimming Club issued a statement in response. 

"Askeaton Swimming Club are shocked and deeply concerned by the council’s plan to close Askeaton pool for what they say will be 12 months," said the statement issued to Limerick Live.

Chairperson of Askeaton Swimming Club, Sandra Houlihan said that "there is a major concern that if the pool closes, it will never reopen".

"Askeaton swimming pool is the only public 25-metre pool between Limerick city and Tralee, Co Kerry. Thousands of people, including children learning to swim and people with additional needs, use it every week. It is time for our government and local council elected officials to take a closer look at the impact this will have on their constituents," said the chairperson.

"The impact of closing the pool on the area would be huge. Askeaton Swimming Club wants the impact of these necessary works minimised, rather than a resource taken away from the area entirely," outlined the Kilcornan resident.

"The preferred approach by the club is to keep the pool and centre open while necessary works occur on a phased basis. There is a major concern that if the pool closes, it will never reopen," said Houlihan.

"This is terrible news for the locality," explained another parent Colm Dore.

"There are facilities all over the country closing and not reopening due to lack of funding," Dore continued.

Twelve-month closure confirmed at Limerick swimming pool for upgrade works

"I have been involved in swimming for several years through the local swimming club and have visited many pool facilities across the country and the Askeaton pool is hard to rival."

Askeaton Swimming Club is a minority shareholder of the special purpose company, Askeaton Pool and Leisure DAC, which owns and runs Askeaton Swimming Pool, with Limerick City and County Council the majority shareholder.

However, Askeaton Swimming Club insists they have no involvement in the running or management of the facility and were not consulted about the closure.

The €5.66 million public facility was opened in 2008 by President Mary McAleese, and consists of an indoor 25m swimming pool, kids pool, sauna and steam room, changing village and gym facility.