‘Despite best efforts’ closure of Limerick swimming pool confirmed

THERE is widespread disappointment at confirmation that Askeaton Swimming Pool is to close its doors for the foreseeable future.

From this Thursday, March 16, the pool and leisure complex will be closed, as confirmed by a joint statement made by the Board of Askeaton Pool and Leisure DAC along with its shareholders Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) and Askeaton Swimming Club.

Over the past ten days, there have been intensive behind-the-scenes efforts to maintain a limited service until June.

“We are disappointed - but, both the Council (LCCC) and Askeaton swim club have exhausted all avenues in trying to keep the pool open,” said Adare/Rathkeale Municipal District councillor, John O’Donoghue.

“The sooner we get the retrofit done, the sooner we get the pool back open and running again.

“They were trying very hard to keep the facility open until the end of June, which I originally suggested to see out the rest of the swimming season and school year but unfortunately, this isn’t possible,” Cllr O’Donoghue added.

Users, including the 2,000+ kids who use the pool weekly, are now left in limbo.

Energy upgrades and plant room refurbishments, which will aid in the future-proofing of the facility, are the reason for the imminent closure.

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These works are expected to take in the region of 12 months.

A statement, issued by Limerick City and County Council reads: "Despite best efforts and engagement with all key stakeholders it has not been possible to maintain a limited operation of the centre on a temporary basis until the capital works get underway.  The current operator, Coral Leisure were not in a position to provide this service and an alternative operator could not be secured.  

"The Board and its shareholders are committed to making sure the health and safety of all users are maintained at all times.

This requires maintaining water quality, life guarding and most importantly, child protection and welfare. To facilitate this, sufficient time would be required to acquire the services of an appropriate alternative operator through a public procurement process."

The statement adds that the centre "has not been financially viable for some time" and has also been hit with escalated heating and lighting costs in recent months.  

"There has also been a reduction in income from membership due to the uncertainty caused by the pending closure. We are committed to a full reopening of the Centre, which will be more financially viable on completion of the necessary capital works including energy efficiency upgrades. This will help to secure its operation into the future," it reads.  

The local authority has confirmed the refurbishment will now go to tender, despite determined efforts to keep it open following concerns over a lengthy shutdown period from pool users and the local community .