Newry Swimming Pool to stay open in December with repairs planned for 2023

Newry Swimming pool will not not close for repairs in December as was previously feared. Instead a programme for closure will be worked on with a full report tabled to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to seek approval. A Council spokesperson said it was their priority to minimise disruption and give users as much advanced notice of the closure as possible 

The closure was discussed at last night's Active and Healthy Communities committee meeting and it followed reports from Councillors criticising the lack of information on plans to close the facility to repair damage to tiles on the pool floor.

In a statement today a Newry, Mourne and Down District Council spokesperson said, “At a meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee on Monday 21 November, councillors were updated on works required at Newry Leisure Centre’s swimming pool.

"Councillors were informed that Newry Leisure Centre swimming pool will not close in December 2022, and that officers will continue to work with the original project team and contractors to determine a programme for closure of the swimming pool, prioritising minimal disruption to service users. A future report to Council will be tabled to seek approval for closure arrangements once further detail is known. 

"There has recently been an issue with tiles lifting off the swimming pool floor in Newry Leisure Centre and the Council is working with the facility’s original project team to determine how to address the issues.

"The Council recognises any period of closure will be disappointing for the many people who enjoy and benefit from using Newry Leisure Centre’s swimming pools. Therefore, ensuring that any closure has minimal disruption to service users is a priority, along with giving users as much advanced notice of disruption to service as possible. 

"The Council has commenced briefing sessions with key users and communication is ongoing. Further details will be made available once a programme for closure has been agreed by Council.”