Another Laois swimming pool set for renovation works this summer

Portarlington Leisure Centre is earmarked for future renovations following the completion of the extensive improvement works at Portlaoise Leisure Centre.

As the owner of the two buildings, Laois County Council took out a loan of €1.7 million for repairs at the two leisure centres, in addition to Sports Capital Grants. 

Portlaoise Leisure Centre's pool was temporarily closed on Wednesday, November 19 to facilitate the infrastructural upgrades.

The pool reopened on Saturday, December 27 with major changes for its users. The existing non-operational pool floor was removed and replaced with a new system, perimeter pool drainage gratings were replaced and upgraded, and the pool's viewing gallery was also updated.

The sauna was also refurbished and drainage issues which were causing problems with foul odour in the changing rooms were resolved. Four toilets were replaced and there were excavations of floors to install drainage traps along floor drains and soil vent pipes were installed.

As well as this, under water pool lights were replaced and upgraded to low energy LED lights, emergency fire exit doors were installed at poolside, and the pool hall was painted.

A number of other works were carried out and some are still ongoing such as the installation of a Public Announcement system which is expected to be finished this month.

Speaking at the January meeting of Laois County Council, Chief Executive Michael Rainey said that the works have received very positive feedback since the pool's reopening after Christmas. 

He also said that the pool at Portarlington Leisure Centre is next for upgrades.

According to the Chief Executive's Report, works at the Portarlington pool are due to be tendered in February 2026 with the hopes of the project commencing in June of this year.

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These works will also require the temporary closure of the pool.

The report concluded: "Further details to be provided as the matters progress."

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