Local leisure centres could not afford to let senior citizens use their swimming pools free of charge, the monthly meeting of Laois County Council heard.
A motion before the meeting from Cllr James Kelly read: “That this Council writes to the management of Laois Leisure facilities requesting that persons over 65 years of age receive free access or a substantial discount to use the swimming pools in their establishments”.
A response from Portlaoise and Portarlington Leisure Centres outlined that it would not be viable to provide use of the pool free of charge to those over 65.
However, both leisure centres offer discounted rates for those in receipt of social welfare and pensions.
Incentive
Cllr Kelly accepted that budgets are tight in leisure centres, but he hoped they could come up with some incentive to attract 30 new people in.
“They could bring in their grandchildren and will be paying for them, as well,” he said.
He felt they could increase their membership by opening it up to more people.
It is a good idea to offer some form of reduction, Cllr John Moran said.
“In fairness, nobody minds paying a little for the facilities,” he said.
Cllr Willie Aird suggested that Cllr Kelly put together some costings and this could be considered at their next annual estimates meeting.
Laois County Council provides funding for both public leisure centres in their annual budget.
“Leisure facilities are not cost effective. Hotels only have them because they need them to attract guests,” he said.
As a board member of Portarlington Leisure Centre, cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming said he is aware of the tight ship they run.
“They hardly make any profit at all,” he said, and also require grant aid from the council.
The intention of the motion was very good, Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said.
“A lot of elderly people can be very isolated in the winter months,” she said.
She did not feel free entry would work. “A reduced price would be a great benefit for them,” she said.
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