Millions could be spent on Laois Leisure public swimming pools
Laois Leisure runs Portlaoise and Portlaoise centres on behalf of Laois County Council
Laois County Council has embarked on a contractual process that could see millions of euros being spent on refurbishing two publicly owned leisure centres in Portlaoise and Portarlington.
In new tender documents, the local authority proposes to engage in a single-stage open process for the establishment of a multi-party framework agreement for leisure centre works valued between €5,000 and €20 million for Portarlington and Portlaoise Leisure Centres.
The council says the main elements to the single-party framework agreement are: Building works, tiling, painting, plumbing, drainage, electrical works, air handling ventilation units, building management systems, pumps, heating systems, air conditioning, and sand filtration systems.
The council adds that this is not an exhaustive list and may include other small works as required under the scope of the framework or works of a similar nature within the expertise of the chosen contractors.
The council says a framework agreement is a means of establishing overall terms and conditions in accordance with which, for a specified duration, individual contracts may or may not be awarded. It is intended that the Framework Agreement will be awarded on foot of an initial contract for Portarlington Leisure Centre.
County Hall says the framework agreement will be for a maximum period of four (4) years commencing in quarter 4 of 2026. It is envisaged that maximum spend under this framework agreement will not exceed €20 million excluding VAT.
Laois County Council anticipates that the annual spend will be in the region of €1,000,000 over 2026/2027 and will reduce to a needs basis for the remaining term of the framework.
It is emphasised, however, that this figure is provided strictly for indicative purposes only, as there is no guaranteed expenditure under the framework agreement.
Laois Leisure operates sports and leisure facilities under license from Laois County Council in Portarlington and Portlaoise. Both facilities were rebuilt in the 2000s, replacing outdated buildings that were primarily swimming pools.
Facilities managed include: swimming pools, all-weather pitches, gyms, and meeting rooms, catering to the needs of individuals, clubs, groups, schools, sporting organisations, medical professionals and many more.