Latest Laois News: Great news on Portlaoise Leisure Centre reopening

May monthly meeting of Laois County Council outline schedule of reopening of Portlaoise Leisure Centre

Yesterday’s monthly meeting of Laois County Council (LCC) was told by LCC staff that Portlaoise Leisure Centre would reopen this summer. The phased reopening would see the Astro-turf pitches open first, followed by the Gym in the centre and the swimming pool would be the last component to reopen.

The nineteen Laois County Councillors were told by Laois County Council CEO John Mulholland that an agreement had been reached with the management of Portarlington Leisure Centre. The present management team in place at Portarlington Leisure Centre would manage both centres. ‘Flexi-tickets’ would also be introduced whereby the centres’ users could use both facilities.

“We came to an agreement with Portarlington Leisure Centre. Today (31/05/21) LCC have issued a licence to Portarlington Leisure Centre to put into effect that agreement.”

Willie Murphy, Offaly County Councillor Eddie Fitzpatrick and Laois County Councillors Aidan Mullins and Padraig Fleming were thanked for their help in getting the agreement in place.

Councillor Willie Aird, while welcoming the news, flagged the need for Portlaoise representation on the Leisure Centre board going forward.

“We have a green light on Portlaoise Leisure Centre. We have to have representatives from the Portlaoise Municipal District (on board). It’s good news that the licence agreement has been agreed.”

Councillor Padraig Fleming added the following:

“It took a long time to get the agreement. In the end of the day we have an agreement.”

Cathaoirleach of LCC Cllr. Catherine Fitzgerald said the following:

“As Cathaoirleach I welcome the agreement with Portarlington and Portlaoise Leisure Centres. “

LCC Director of Services Donal Brennan was able to inform the meeting the following:

“In relation to (Portlaoise) reps to the board we (LCC) hope to bring that to the June meeting. The Portarlington Leisure Centre Manager was on site at Portlaoise Leisure Centre this morning (31/05/21). He was also there last week.”

The Portarlington Leisure Centre will reopen on June 7th while Portlaoise Leisure Centre, currently being renovated, should open in mid-July.