Limerick community look at legal action over pool closure
A COUNTY Limerick swimming club hasn’t ruled out exploring legal options in their quest to avoid closure of the local pool.
Askeaton Swimming Club have this week continued to apply pressure on key decision makers ahead of proposed March 16 closure.
The club has again appealed to local politicians to find a swift solution to their concerns over the sudden shutdown which is scheduled, and the Chairperson, Sandra Houlihan, says this appeal comes after ‘very little progress’ has been made.
Ms Houlihan said: “We find ourselves with no alternative but to explore all options available to us, including litigation (which we can ill afford and should not have to resort to), public meetings, local, national and social media and further direct engagement with local and national public representatives.
“Accordingly we, Askeaton Swim Club, feel that we are left with no option (as a 49% shareholder) but to increase the intensity of our objections on behalf of our members and the entire county Limerick community who regularly enjoy these facilities,” Ms Houlihan continued.
To avoid legal action, the Askeaton Swimming Club are now calling on LCCC to immediately call off the purported closure of Askeaton Pool and engage with them, to arrive at a more coordinated solution. The two prominent reasons for what Ms Houlihan describes as “the subsequent outpouring of public condemnation” are as follows: the total lack of engagement with the joint shareholders, club members, other users and the lack of a credible plan to complete the proposed works.
The swimming pool is said to be used by approximately 2,000 children per week from at least 35 Limerick schools and the suddenness of the shutdown notice is not being accepted.
Ms Houlihan said: “Unfortunately, while some meetings have been requested, very little actual progress has been made as we quickly move closer to the proposed closure date.
“All the while, support continues to pour in from local schools, businesses and other user groups who depend on this facility for their weekly activities.”
According to Limerick City and County Council, the works are crucial due to flooding of the river in close proximity.