Calls for extra funding to finish works at Limerick Pool despite €2.8m refurbishment

CALLS have been made for additional funding to address outstanding finishing works at Askeaton Pool and Leisure Centre, despite its recent reopening following a major €2.8 million refurbishment.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Rathkeale–Adare Municipal District, Cllr Adam Teskey welcomed the reopening of the facility but said it was “not a finished product by any means,” warning that the lack of attention to smaller details risks undermining the significane of re-opening the facility.

The pool was formally reopened last week by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan after extensive works to address recurring flood damage.

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The project, which included raising the plant room floor level, replacing all mechanical and electrical systems, and upgrading pool and leisure facilities, was jointly funded by the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund and Limerick City and County Council.

However, Cllr Teskey said that while major structural issues had been resolved, basic cosmetic and hygiene standards were falling short.

He pointed to concerns around general cleanliness, the condition of plastic safety mats around the pool perimeter, and the standard of the ladies’ changing rooms, which he said were “certainly not up to scratch.”

He also expressed frustration that some improvements, such as repainting lockers, only happened after councillors raised concerns.“It’s the small things that create the unique selling point and attract new members.”

Cllr Teskey suggested that additional funding should be sourced, either through the Mayor’s discretionary fund or through future General Municipal Allocation (GMA) funding, to provide what he described as the “finer touch” needed to complete the project properly.

“It’s a crying shame,” he concluded, “that we’ve spent almost €3 million on the facility and haven’t finished it to the standard the community deserves.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme