Portlaoise swimming pool to close for major repair this winter

Portlaoise swimming pool will be shut and drained for six weeks later this year, for a major upgrade.

The pool is getting a new moveable floor mechanism, part of a multi-million continued investment in Portlaoise and Portarlington's public leisure centres.

It is to close in December, management company Laois Leisure Ltd has confirmed. 

Swimmers including groups and schools will be invited to use Portarlington pool instead. In 2026, all the customers will be swapping back to Portlaoise, while Portarlington swimming pool gets retiled.

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.

Laois Leisure Ltd acting Chair Helen Campion and General Manager Sean Quirke at Laois County Council offices for their presentation on April 28. Photo: Leinster Express / Laois Live

"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," he said. 

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. 

Finding staff is a problem but a new gym has helped.

"The staffing situation in leisure centres is as bad if not worse than other area. It can be difficult to attract talent from other companies.

"We invested over €300,000 in the gym in Portlaoise last year. Now it's the best gym in the county without any doubt. That's put the energy back in, not only for customers but for staff. Hving that ability to retain staff and attract new customers. For the first time gym membership in Portlaoise has out performed Portarlington. Our membership is up by 100 a month. That's all related to the nice shiny new clean gym," Mr Quirke said.

Paying costs while providing an affordable public service is a constant juggle.

"We keep prices as low as possible and on the other hand try to wash our own face. Pay as you go customers are always welcome, and groups.

"It was a tough year in 2023, energy costs went through the roof and we were subject to tariffs. But we have now locked in gas prices to April 2026 at a fairly good rate. We spent €180,000 less on running costs in 2024.

"Out of the pandemic and reopening Portlaoise after it was closed down has taken more energy than any of us foresaw. Yes we are still catching up. Attracting, training and retaining staff is an ongoing challenge.

"Our outlook is focused on member retention and growth. We serve 1,200 children a week in swimming lessons, that's 40 school groups a week between Portlaoise and Portarlington," the manager said.

Read more on what the €1.l7m loan is for.

Niamh Campion is the acting chair of Laois Leisure, a volunteer role for the Tobar an Léinn NS school principal.

"We have two director roles that are vacant. We are looking for people with a special set of skills to help us to run the company and work with Sean. We recently established a finance audit and risk committee and a working group with Laois County Council, to meet regulations. That has really helped with tendering and access to expertise," she said.

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Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey thanked the two for giving an update, particularly praising Ms Campion as a volunteer director.

"Leisure centres are a key part of quality for life and social infrastructure. We are fully behind your ambition to attract growth and make Portlaoise fully accessible. The working group gives confidence to us that you are running it correctly, so we can give capital investment. It is important that the €1.7m loan will be money well spent," he said.