Fears pool closure could stretch beyond September
There are fears that the swimming pool at Newry Leisure Centre could be closed for longer than first feared.
It comes as Newry City Sinn Féin councillor, Aidan Mathers, has said that he has requested an update on the current programme of works being carried out at the pool.
It is currently closed due to an issue with the hydraulic system of its moving floor.
In February the council said it was “working with specialist contractors to address this issue to ensure the swimming pool is reopened as soon as possible”.
A month later a council spokesperson said that the works were due to take six months to complete.
But that may not be the case.
Cllr Mathers said it was essential that staff and service users were kept fully informed and updated on timescales involved.
He said, “Concerns have been raised about the timescale for the completion of works.
"We were informed at the time the pool was closed it would remain closed to facilitate the programme of works which was estimated to be completed in approximately six months.
“Councillors were told that the pool would be reopened by September 2024.”
Cllr Mathers said that “unconfirmed recent reports have said that the timeframe for completion will be extended”, adding that he was seeking clarification from Council officers as to these reports.
“It is essential that staff and service users are kept fully informed,” Cllr Mathers stated.
“It is vital for that the programme of works at our swimming pool are completed fully and as quickly as possible. Further delays will only continue to cause dismay, inconvenience and frustration amongst staff and indeed service users.”
The Newry Reporter has contacted Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for comment.