WAVES were made in County Limerick as political heavyweights waded in to officially reopen Askeaton Swimming Pool, which had been closed since 2023.
With the €2.8million refurbishment project, funded by the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), with equal funding from Limerick City and County Council, now completed, it is safe to go back into the water.
Key works included raising the floor level of the water-treatment plant room, replacement of all mechanical and electrical systems, upgrades to the jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, gym and general repairs throughout the building, as well as installation of sustainable energy-efficient systems including air-to-water units, a rooftop solar-panel array, and a new biogas-fired heating system.
County Limerick’s Minister Patrick O’ Donovan rowed in for Monday’s grand re-opening to welcome the completion of significant refurbishment and upgrade works at the Askeaton Pool & Leisure DAC.
Speaking at the opening, Minister O’Donovan said he was delighted to see the department-backed sport project serving the needs of the local community once again. He deemed the delivery of the project a testament to the hard work of the local community, Limerick City and County Council, Askeaton Pool and Leisure DAC, Swim Ireland, department officials, and all stakeholders involved in this project.
“Swimming promotes physical health, mental wellbeing, and a strong sense of community. Ireland’s first National Swimming Strategy sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim. Facilities like this play a vital role in giving people access to swimming and in developing the next generation of Irish swimming talent,” Minister O’Donovan commented.
Originally opened on January 20, 2008, the centre suffered repeated flooding in its plant room due to the River Deel bursting its banks. After careful review, redesign, and upgrade works, the facility is now fully restored, modernised, and re-equipped ready to serve the local community once again.
According to Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, the reopened Askeaton centre has an ethos of affordability and accessibility to make sure it serves the wider community.
“It will once again become a focal point for sport, wellbeing and social connection in Askeaton and beyond for decades to come,” Dr Daly said.
Mayor John Moran said he was “delighted to see this community resource return, better than ever, ready to serve families, sports clubs, fitness-enthusiasts, and all who wish to enjoy its amenities”.