Laois County Council has this week sanctioned a loan of €1.7 million from the Housing Finance Agency Plc.
The loan is for “essential works” on the county’s two Leisure Centres in Portlaoise and Portarlington.
Director of Services, Mr Simon Walton, said the loan was necessary as both Leisure Centres are “almost 20 years old” and “no longer fit for purpose.”
Mr Walton said the loan is for the “upgrade” of both Leisure Centres, and to bring each facility “up to modern standards.”
The works to be carried out are as follows:
Portlaoise Leisure Centre
- Works to the exterior presentation of the building;
- Upgrade of fire alarm systems and fire safety elements;
- Flooring upgrades.
Portarlington Leisure Centre
- Interior tiling works;
- Pool drainage upgrades.
Mr Walton confirmed that while Laois County Council owns the two facilities, it is Laois Leisure who are “wholly responsible for the day-to-day running” of both Portlaoise Leisure Centre and Portarlington Leisure Centre.
“It now behoves the Council, as the owner of the Leisure Centres, to ensure that both Leisure Centres are fit for purpose,” Mr Walton said.
“Laois County Council will be appointing the contractors, making the repayments and overseeing the work.”
The Council will bear the cost of repaying the loan, which will be €120,000 per annum over the course of 20 years.
Ms Julie Bergin, Acting Director of Finance, stipulated that this figure is subject to change depending on interest rate fluctuations.
Fine Gael Councillor John King said this was “good news” and called the loan “money well spent.”
Cllr King also called for a quarterly update for the elected members “to keep an eye on how the funds are being spent.”
Labour Councillor Marie Tuohy described the loan as “a worthwhile investment,” highlighting the part the Leisure Centres play in “exercise and mental health.”
Independent Councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley emphasising the “importance” of the Leisure Centres to the community, and said she “fully supported” the “essential works.”
