Laois County Council say they will immediately arrange for refurbishment works to enhance the Portlaoise Leisure Centre building and the site to make sure it will be ready for use as soon as it is safe to do so.
This, they say, will also ensure the availability of pitches, the skate park and the playground in the short term.
The statement comes after it was announced that Portlaoise Leisure Centre is to close with immediate effect – with the loss of 30 jobs.
However, Laois County Council’s statement would seem to offer some chink of light that the Leisure Centre may be able to return in some form in the future.
They say: “Laois County Council notes with deep regret the decision of the Board of the Portlaoise Leisure Centre Company to put the company into liquidation.
“The ongoing Covid 19 pandemic has had dire consequences for the sport, leisure and hospitality sectors in particular. In this regard the Portlaoise Leisure Centre has not been spared and it is doubly sad to witness the impact it has had on jobs and employment for those who had been working in the centre.
“Portlaoise Leisure Centre CLG has operated the Portlaoise Leisure Centre under licence from Laois County Council since 2012 and in that time it has made a huge contribution to the lives of many young people in the county.
“The Council wishes to acknowledge the sterling work the staff of the company and its members who over a long number of years and in a voluntary capacity have provided a top class service to the community.
“Laois County Council is anxious that the public investment in the Leisure Centre will continue to be available for the benefit of the public at large and to this end the Council will make every effort to ensure the future viability of the leisure complex.
“In addition the Council will immediately arrange for refurbishment works to enhance the building and the site and to make sure it will be ready for use as soon as it is safe to do so and will also ensure the availability of pitches, the skate park and the playground in the short term.”
SEE ALSO – Confirmed: Portlaoise Leisure Centre to close immediately with loss of 30 jobs
