Council splashes out on €1.7million loan for Laois swimming pools

Laois County Council is splashing out to do the biggest renovation ever on two public swimming pools, at the Laois  Leisire Centres, so they rival any other private pool in the county.

Councillors have approved a loan to be borrowed of €1.7 million to refurbish Portlaoise and Portarlington leisure centres, to bring them up to standard to compete with other private pools and gyms in Laois.

Laois County Council say that the loan from the Housing Finance Agency will be spent on the “first intensive large scale refurbishment” of their two public leisure centres.

Director of Services Simon Walton explained why they need to take out the loan, speaking at the March council meeting on Monday.

“Laois County Council owns the leisure centres in Portarlington and Portlaoise. Both are coming on 20 years of age and there is a discussion on their condition and the competition in the marketplace. There have been ongoing upgrades but this investment is required.

“This loan is to ensure that the existing centres are upgraded to a modern standard, and all the equipment and flooring, to an appropriate standard for the next 20 years.

“It behoves Laois County Council as the owner to ensure both are fit for purpose. We are responsible to ensure both are commensurate with the best leisure centres in Laois,” Mr Walton said.

He said the council will tender for a contractor and oversee the works.

“We are investing this in close consultation with Laois Leisure,” he said.

Asked by Cllr Aisling Moran how it will be divided, Mr Walton said the Portlaoise centre will get about 60% of the money.
Portlaoise needs external works as well as more fire alarms and fire safety and a refurbishment of the moveable floor in the pool.

Portarlington swimming pool is to be retiled along with drainage improvement work.

The council will spend €120,000 a year paying back the loan.

It has already lent the centres nearly €50,000 this year, on the basis that the loan would be taken out.

Mr Walton said three grants were approved that will go towards repair costs.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley proposed approval.

“Portlaoise closed for nearly two years in Covid, we all know how much it meant to get it open again. I'd love to see it washing its own face,” she said.

Portlaoise Pool closed temporarily last year due to technical issues.  

Cllr John King said it is great news, and money well spent, given the population growth of both towns.

“Can we get a quarterly update on how the works are going?” he requested.

Cllr Marie Tuohy who was a long time employee in Portlaoise leisure centre, said “it's really important for all the community. For social interaction and mental health”.