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26 Mar 2026
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26 Mar 2026
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Pictured: The swimming pool at Portlaoise Leisure Centre.
Laois Leisure has revealed that a large number of local students have availed of their Free Gym and Pool scheme.
The new scheme allowed students to avail of their services during the state exam period. To avail of the services, students had to bring along proof that they were in an exam year.
"We're proud to share the amazing results of our free access campaign for Junior and Leaving Cert students," Portlaoise Leisure Centre announced.
Pictured: Portlaoise pool
The leisure centre say that they are pleased to support the physical and mental well-being during a crucial time.
Over 1,017 students have availed of the scheme in Portlaoise, including 582 Junior Cert students and 435 Leaving Cert students.
Interestingly, a large majority of these students were male, accounting for 769 of the figure.
Only 248 female students elected to take part.
In April, Laois Leisure confirmed with the Leinster Express / Laois Live that the pool will be closing for six weeks this winter to allow for major upgrades.
The pool will receive a new moveable floor mechanism, part of a multi-million continued investment in Portlaoise and Portarlington's public leisure centres.
Laois Leisure Ltd general manager Sean Quirke gave an update to Laois County Council on both of its leisure centres at the April monthly council meeting. Both have gyms and swimming pools.
"The pools are the biggest cost, the biggest drain on finances, from staff to energy use. But they are also our biggest income generators.
"The buildings are now into their 18th year. A lot of the plant had a five to ten year lifespan so it is a rolling battle of repairs until we get back up to speed," he said.
"At the moment, we are working on the moving floor replacement in Portlaoise. It hasn't operated properly since 2018. It will cost over €300,000.
"That will give us the scope where you can have two shallow ends. When Portarlington pool closes for repair works, it can then accommodate schools," Mr Quirke finished.
Laois County Council as owner of the two buildings is taking out a loan of €1.7m to pay for more repairs, in addition to Sports Capital Grants.
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