Public meeting to take place in Limerick town as campaign starts to halt closure of swimming pool

A PUBLIC meeting is to take place this Thursday evening to discuss the planned closure of Askeaton swimming pool.

The facility is scheduled for a 12 month closure, which some members of the public and the local swimming club have opposed since the announcement was made last week

The public meeting, which is expected to attract a large crowd, will take place this Thursday at 7.30pm in the Askeaton Community Hall.

Despite being the only 25 metre public pool between Limerick city and North Kerry, Limerick City and County Council’s recent renovation announcement has faced strong resistance, as a 12-month closure period is considered by some to be ‘lengthy’.

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

According to the Askeaton Swimming Club, which is a minority shareholder in the operating companty, there are strong concerns that such prolonged closure will cause disruption and may result in the centre not reopening.

Sandra Houlihan, chairperson of the Askeaton Swimming Club said: “The council are saying it will be a 12 month closure, but how can they know that when they don’t even have a plan for the works yet? It’d be my concern they will never get around to reopening it.”

The suddenness of the news has caused members of the leisure centre frustration, as they apparently were not notified of the almost immediate shutdown.

Over 800 people have signed a petition since the news broke.

According to the swimming club, Limerick City and County Council are now being asked to “find a workable solution that will deliver the required works with the minimal closure time.”