COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (1)
Monday, September 21, 2009
QUESTION NO. (3)
QUESTION: Councillor M. Corr
"To ask the Manager to report on the progress and challenges facing the Tallaght Leisure Centre in terms of footfall etc?"
REPLY:
TLC was opened in November 2006 and forms part of the council’s Water Leisure Strategy. The facility consists of a 25 m Pool, Gym and Sports Hall. The facility is managed by South County Dublin Leisure Services Ltd, which is wholly owned by the council. The remit of the company is to manage the facility by providing the best amenities at affordable prices within a cost neutral base to the council.
The centre provides a diverse range of leisure activities, including swimming, canoeing, scuba diving, aqua fit, gym, indoor football, badminton, dance, martial arts, yoga, all at affordable prices. The sports hall is fitted with public gallery seating and hosts major sporting events at weekends. Meeting rooms are available in the evening time for local groups. A MUGA (mini football all weather) is provided adjacent to the centre for local young people free of charge.
The centre has been awarded a White Flag by the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM). Currently the pool operates at near capacity and has limited additional capacity in its day time schedule. The Centre draws the bulk of its customers from the immediate local area within a travel time of 5 to 10 minutes. Customers have expressed satisfaction with the range and quality of the amenities on offer and view the facility as a major asset to Tallaght West.
Currently there are 28 schools and groups availing of swimming instruction, with three new schools joining in September. There are only a few sessions left available and efforts are being made to secure additional groups. In addition there are 500 children currently attending swim lessons
The Centre employs the equivalent of 30 full time jobs and provides a base for the Sport Teic programme, which delivers a training programme for young people who wish to access employment in the leisure & amenity industry. Weekend usage of the sports hall is up, with attendance from a diverse range of user groups, with many returning on an annual basis.
The following is taken from the National Service Indicators return which shows an increase in usage;
July 07 July 08 July 09
| Total Usage Tallaght Swimming Pool & Leisure Centre | 95,170 | 102,590 | 107,378 |
| Per 1000 of population | 385.41 | 415.45 | 434.84 |
The centre achieved its financial targets in the first half of the year and has reduced its costs considerably. However because of the current economic climate trading in the second half will remain challenging. Every effort is being made to continue to deliver the programme within the agreed parameters of the business plan and there is an ongoing rollout of special promotions/offers to attract new business.
South Dublin County Sports Partnership (SDCSP) has organized 2 sports days with a difference, the second of which takes place on Sunday Sept. 27th in Tallaght Leisure Centre (1-4pm, with a family walk beforehand at 12pm).Activities are aimed at people of 16 years of age and upwards who can try out and learn about many of the minority sports and recreational activities that are available in the community.
There will be indoor and outdoor activities with information stands also and on the day there will be free goodies handed out and a free draw for a Nintendo Wii Fit. Free shower and changing facilities are available in the leisure centre This has the potential to attract new business to the Tallaght Leisure Centre.
The Tallaght Leisure Centre in Jobstown is a tangible demonstration of the Council’s commitment to providing quality facilities to all our customers. The next challenge is to develop a programme which will enable every child in Tallaght West to access swimming during the primary years. TLC is well placed to play a pivotal role in this exciting programme.