'Below par' disability access at Portlaoise public swimming pool

A Laois public swimming pool is still not fully accessible for people with disabilities needing exercise and therapy, a local councillor has highlighted again.

Portlaoise Leisure Centre is still awaiting new equipment to help people with mobility issues to use its disability changing area, six months since it was last highlighted by Cllr Marie Tuohy, a former employee at the centre.

This December she tabled another motion to ask for an update, to the Portlaoise Municipal District meeting.

"I spoke a few times on this, it's going on a while. I went there yesterday and met a school coming out. A volunteer brought it up to me. One child in a wheelchair did use the suite but it's certainly very below par.

"Social inclusion involves removing barriers. Swimming is not just social, it's exercise and therapy," she said.

The Cathaoirleach of Portlaoise Municipal District is Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.

"Life is difficult enough for people with disabilities," she said in support of the motion.

Laois Leisure is an associated company of Laois County Council.

This week its other leisure centre in Portarlington was announced to be getting an extra €163,000 top up under the Large Scale sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The Leisure centre was previously awarded €300,000. The top up is for additional costs arising from inflation and delays over the pandemic.

The council gave the following update on new equipment expected for Portlaoise swimming pool's changing area.

"We have been advised by the supplier that the tracking hoist system and shower changing table will be installed early in the new year in the disability suite at Laois Leisure, Portlaoise," an official said in a written reply.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley had seconded the motion.

"I am delighted to see this and hopefully in the new year they will get the necessary equipment needed," she said.