Summer has officially started in Laois as Ballinakill pool reopens

It is officially summer in Laois, as primary schools close, and Ballinakill's heated swimming pool reopens.

The community run pool got a big renovation over the winter, and swimmers have returned in their shoals since it reopened on Thursday, June 17.

Chair of Ballinakill Community Development Association Declan Kennedy spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"The water is around 26 degrees, it's nice and warm. It's looking well and open seven days a week. We spent the guts of €340,000 fixing cracks, repainting it and upgrading the filtration system and we installed new handrails. 

"We also have new disabled parking beside us. It's a good local amenity for people, and it's still good value for money," Declan said.

The pool is the largest in Laois, at 29 metres long, with a toddlers pool beside it.

"It's unique in Laois. It's a good place to learn to swim outdoors, rather than going to lakes or rivers because we have trained  lifeguards there at all times. You're not stuck inside in a chlorine filled room, you're looking up at the sky instead," he said.

The freshly painted Ballinakill swimming pool.

The pool is open from 2pm to 8pm to the public. It is also used in private sessions by the Swimming Women group learning to swim through Laois Sports Partnership, the Swim a Mile training group and sports clubs and groups who use it for warm downs and training. 

Lifeguard training is also carried out at the pool. Water Safety Ireland - Laois are taking bookings now for the National Pool Lifeguard Award Course, which will take place over two weekends in July. Revalidation places also available. Book by email to sports@laoiscoco.ie

"If we can keep the weather all summer we'll be happy," Declan said.

The development association got a Town & Village renewal grant of €250,000 towards the renovations, while they also benefit jointly with Ballinakill GAA in the Ballinakill Bonanza monthly prize draw.

Declan said it will cost up to €40,000 to keep the pool going for the summer season, which lasts into September.

"We rely on a lot of volunteers. A big thanks to everyone who helped to get the pool open again. We need more volunteers to come on board or maybe we won't open next year. A lot of people have given a few years, they can't keep doing it," he said.

Swimmers are advised to book ahead online. Including online booking fees, adult tickets are €6.24, children €4.16. A season ticket for a family of two adults and up to four children is €176.80. An adult season ticket is €104.