COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, January 22, 2018

QUESTION NO. 13

QUESTION: Councillor K. Mahon

"To ask the Chief Executive to please give an update on repair issues with the pool at Tallaght Leisure Centre? Can the Chief Executive give an update with a plan and timeframe regarding the repair of the boom and advise as to when the pool will be returned to its full 25 metre capacity? The current issue with the boom is having an adverse effect on users and clubs who rely on the facility?"

REPLY:

"The Tallaght pool was designed in two sections to facilitate optimun access by young children the aged and people with mobility issues. The pool can operate as a conventional 25m lenght and 2m depth configuration or it can be divided by a boom (wall) which creates a second smaller pool of 8m. This floor of this area can be moved and set at any depth from 100cm down to 2m.

The boom and floor are moved by a combination of hydraulic rams and steel cables and motors controlled by a computer  panel. Sensors are embedded in the system to ensure a balanced move. A failure in the system caused the boom (which is 17m in length) to twist. This has resulted in the boom being lodged in the lock-up position. The floor area continues to operate as normal and facilitates 2,000 children and learners every week.

Several examinations to the boom superstructure have identified critical damage which might be repairable but would not have a guarantee. This type of boom design is no longer manufactured and other suppliers who have looked at the problem are unwilling to quote to repair.

The current configuration with the boom up, accomodates 95% of the customer base. The primary goal of the operation of the pool is to teach both young and old to swim. The second goal is to provide a pool for execise, fitness and leisure to the general public. These goals are being achieved.

The current cost of replacing the system is significent and does not represent value for money. 25m lane swims will be available in 4 to 5 weeks in the council's Clondalkin facility.   

The replacement option will be reviewed if another round of Local Authority Pool funding becomes available."