COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 10, 2010

MOTION NO. 7

MOTION: Councillor C. Jones

That this Council supports an initiative to allow older citizens free or discounted access to leisure activities within the county.

REPORT:

The two new  Swimming Pools/Leisure Centres in Tallaght and Clondalkin are managed on behalf of this Council by South County Dublin Leisure Services Limited.

The Company is a not for profit vehicle, charged with delivering a quality service to all its customers on a cost neutral basis to the council. This model is the most efficient method to deliver the Council's Water Leisure Strategy. Other authorities have different models whereby the staff and costs are directly subvented by the Council. This enables them to provide some services at reduced prices or free to some customers.  SCDLS employ over 100 staff and must operate in the free market to generate sufficient income to offset all the costs associated with operating the leisure centres. 

Historcially the provision of new leisure facilities has been partly inhibited by the knowledge that they have the potential to be very expensive to operate and are a financial drain on the authority. The Council's model has addressed this issue and has demonstrated that quality leisure facilities can be delivered in a cost effective manner.

SCDLS is a customer driven organisation and has developed a number of products which target the 55 plus market. There are four weekly swim sessions at a reduced cost of €2 and gym membership at €200 per annum. There are weekly fitness sessions costing €3 which includes refreshments. All of these products are displayed on their web sites www.clondalkinleisure.com and www.tallaghtleisure.com. Every effort is made to make all activities as affordable and accessible as possible and the company constantly reviews its range of services to enhance customer satisfaction.