Preparations are well underway to reopen Laois’s only outdoor public pool.
Ballinakill Outdoor Pool was closed throughout 2020 but trojan work has gone on over the past year.
A team of volunteers, spearheaded by the Ballinakill Development Association, have been diligently working away to repair pipes, clean the pool and regenerate the heating system.
Posting on their Facebook page last night as the new covers went on, they revealed how plans are underway for a restricted reopening next month.
While it is hoped that a full reopening to the public will take place in July.
They said: “Excitement, relief, satisfaction, pride, exhaustion and delight! These were some of the emotions at the pool tonight.
“After weeks of hard work by many volunteers our pool is filled, the new covers in place and the heating system turned on!
“‘A lot done, more to do’, but we are nearly there. Preparations are underway for restricted opening in June and we are hopeful of being able to open publicly in July.
“Like so many facilities Covid is impacting on how we will have to operate. We are working hard to keep things as ‘user-friendly’ as possible and will continue to update you.
“We couldn’t have come this far without the ‘Towns and Villages Renewal Scheme’ funding and the additional support from Laois County Council.”
The area is set to become a real hive of activity in the coming year
Last week, ground was broken on the site of a brand new playground which is going to be built on land right beside the pool.
It is hoped that the playground will be open to the public later this year.
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