Meeting to discuss reopening of pool

Meeting to discuss reopening of pool

5 August 2020

CONFIRMATION of when the Down Leisure Centre swimming pool is expected to reopen to the public is due next week.

Politicians are to be told the date at a meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

The news comes after the Recorder revealed last week that the gates are to remain locked at two of Newcastle’s most popular outdoor swimming pools for the remainder of the summer.

Both the children’s Tropicana pool adjacent to the Newcastle Centre and the hugely popular Rock Pool at South Promenade will remain closed to the public due to Covid-19 concerns.

The Northern Ireland Executive recently gave the green light for indoor pools to reopen and while the local authority said last week that it was not yet in a position to confirm when swimmers can return to the Down Leisure Centre, things have moved on.

Downpatrick councillor Oonagh Hanlon says she has been contacted by a number of swimming clubs keen to find out the town’s ultra-modern pool would reopen.

“Clubs are keen to return to their sport as many other areas are back training under the guidance of Swim Ireland,” she explained.

“I hope that the reopening of all the district’s swimming pools is expedited to facilitate the community who enjoy the benefits of our first class facilities at all our leisure centres.” 

Council officials say they are taking a “phased approach” to the reopening of leisure facilities to ensure the safety of both staff and customers.