COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

MOTION NO.2

MOTION: Councillor H. Farrell

To request the Manager provide a detailed report on the progress made in reviewing and adjusting the proposed membership and PAYG price plans, at the Lucan Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre. This report should outline the specific actions taken to review and potentially reduce prices, including the discussions and negotiations held with Aura Leisure regarding price adjustments, subject to confidentiality. Additionally, the report should provide an assessment of how the proposed price changes will affect accessibility and affordability for the community. Finally, the LPNC Committee asks for a clear timeline for when any agreed-upon price changes will be implemented, subject to opening dates, and that this be presented at the next meeting.

REPORT:

Aura Leisure were awarded the tender for operating Lucan Pool and the prices they are providing are what they deem necessary to make it a viable operation.

Following on from a motion at the April 2024 Lucan, Palmerstown, Fonthill and North Clondalkin ACM a letter was issued to Aura Leisure expressing the concerns of the Elected Members and the community and asking for a response.

A response from Aura was circulated at the October 2024 Area Committee meeting in which they stated that their pricing and rates for Aura Lucan Leisure Campus are comparable with those charged by Aura in the other local authority owned facilities across the country, all of which they operate on a commercial basis, and are in line with comparable commercial facilities in the Dublin region

We are continuing to engage with Aura about their proposed price structure and expressing the views of the elected members and the public and will continue to encourage them to look at the feasibility of offering some concession prices .

Aura are aware themselves that specific cohorts of customers and members need additional support to facilitate their access to swimming facilities and as operator prioritise these groups for concessions.

These groups and the various supports provided will include but are not limited to:

• Under 3’s are always free of charge with an accompanying adult.
• An accompanying adult (carer) is free of charge with a person with a disability.
• Regular promotions to encourage usage for various subgroups e.g. all Leaving Certificate students are facilitated with free of charge access to both the pool and the gym during the month of the exams.
• Older Adults (over 65) have a reduced rate - whether they choose to use the facility as a Pay as You Go user or as a prepaid member.
• Family passes for the swimming pool are available at a discounted rate.
• Free trials and guest passes are available to individuals to ensure people are fully comfortable purchasing or coming to annual membership.
• All new members upon joining receive a complimentary guest pass that can be utilised by a friend or family member.
• All new members upon joining can chose from a menu of complimentary unique fitness programs.
• All members have free access to our full range of group exercise classes including Cardio, Fitness, Spin, Toning up and Strength & Conditioning classes.
• Discounted corporate rates for membership are available for local businesses.

Additionally Active South Dublin will work with Aura leisure to subsidise various programs and ensure that specific cohorts of the community are not excluded from use of this facility.