A local councillor has called on Laois County Council to ensure that the Disability Suite at Laois Leisure, Portlaoise is fully equipped and fully functioning for use by all with a disability.
Cllr Marie Tuohy was speaking at the Portlaoise Municipal District meeting this week.
Ann Marie Maher, Sport and Leisure Officer said: “The operation of the Leisure Centre at Portlaoise is in the first instance a matter for Laois Leisure CLG who operate the site.
“Laois County Council has, through a funding grant from the Department invested in improving disability access to the Leisure Centre.
“These works have included Automatic door opening, Accessible toilets, New hoist for the swimming pool and Upgraded the Disability Changing Room.
“It must be noted that the centre’s ability to provide for the more profound physical disabilities is restricted by the original building design and purpose. Specialist advice has been received as to how to further improve the current disability changing room.
“The carrying out of further works to provide a disability suite will be dependent on allocating/transferring funding from existing grants or securing additional funding.”
Cllr Tuohy expressed her disappointment with the response, saying these were “not expensive requirements” and that without addressing the issue, those in charge were “excluding a whole section of the population.”
There was more positive news for Cllr Tuohy when she asked the Council for an update on the provision of a Dog Park as previously agreed at Linear Park, Portlaoise.
Mr Wes Wilkinsion, Senior Executive Engineer said: “The Portlaoise MD Office has undertaken preparatory drainage works adjacent to the area identified for the proposed Dog Park in the Triogue Linear Park in Portlaoise.
“The Portlaoise MD Office is awaiting receipt of quotations for footpath and fencing works at this location. It is intended that these works will be commenced in Q.3 of 2023.”
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