Refurbished facilities at Dundalk Swimming Pool launched

Louth County Council welcomed the official launch of state-of-the-art new facilities at Dundalk Swimming Pool yesterday Tuesday 7th May.

The refurbishment works, which represented a €600,000 investment in upgrading facilities at the swimming pool and leisure complex, involved the installation of new disabled changing areas, lockers, family-friendly changing cubicles, non-slip safety tiles and group changing areas.

All areas will be accessible with specifically designed lockers for wheelchair users – which was previously lacking in the facility.

The works were made possible through funding from large-scale sports infrastructure fund under the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and investment by Louth County Council, brings a host of enhancements designed to improve the overall experience of patrons.

The swimming pool is operated and managed by Aura in partnership with Louth County Council. It has been at the heart of the community since it was first launched over 20 years ago, providing a wide range of facilities that have benefitted the health and wellbeing of the local population. 

This refurbishment marks a significant milestone in the centre’s commitment to ensuring accessibility, comfort and safety for all.

Joan Martin, Chief Executive, Louth County Council, welcomed the official launch of the new facilities:

"Louth County Council's commitment to improving sports facilities and fostering inclusive infrastructure guarantees that everyone, regardless of ability, discovers a supportive environment to flourish.

"Through the collective endeavour of Louth County Council, dedicated staff, and forward-thinking, transformative ventures like the renovated swimming pool complex come to fruition.

"These investments not only enhance our communities but also broaden horizons, creating avenues for fresh opportunities and experiences. Such advancements are made achievable through crucial investments from both the Government and the local authority."

Josephine Pepper, Manager at Dundalk Leisure Centre, said:

“The team here at Aura are delighted with the enhanced changing facilities, the additional showers and the top of the range disability changing suite facility that has already opened doors to many new customers.

"I would like to thank all our customers for their support and patience during the completion of the refurbishment works, the Aura staff who have been nothing short if amazing, and Louth County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, for this significant investment.”

Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Thomas Byrne T.D., Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, have welcomed the completion of refurbishment works.

Minister Catherine Martin, commented:  

“The Government recognises that sport has a tremendous potential to improve the health and wellbeing of all our people. In particular it is vitally important that we have facilities like these so that everyone can benefit. I’m delighted to see that this upgrade in facilities has a major emphasis on disability access which was previously very limited. I know that this facility will be a valued resource which will promote health and fitness for all ages and abilities for many years to come”.

Speaking at the official opening in Dundalk, Minister Byrne, said:  

“I‘m delighted to attend the official opening of the refurbished facility today and see this Department-backed sport project serving the needs of the local community and wider North-East region. 

"The delivery of this project is a testament to the hard work of the local community, Louth County Council, Department officials, and all stakeholders involved in this project. I also strongly welcome the emphasis these refurbishment works placed on disability access.”