COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

MOTION NO.3

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

To ask the Chief Executive for an update on the long-awaited opening of the Lucan Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre. In addition I wish to reiterate serious concerns raised by members of the community regarding the proposed pricing structure for the facility. As a publicly-owned amenity funded and delivered by the local authority there is a strong expectation that the pricing should reflect that of a public leisure facility and remain accessible to all residents. However the current pricing model appears significantly higher than comparable public pools and centres in surrounding areas. Can the Chief Executive clarify: 1. What oversight or control the Council has over the pricing structure of this facility? 2. Whether any reassessment of the pricing is being considered to ensure fair and affordable access? While the public welcomes initiatives such as subsidised school programmes it is the base-line pricing for everyday users individuals, families, seniors and regular swimmers that presents a barrier and contradicts the principles of accessibility and inclusion that should under-pin a publicly-owned amenity.

REPORT:

Documentation for all completed works on the “dry” facilities have been provided by the building contractor. Our design team and the assigned certifier have reviewed these documents and found them to be in order.

There are a small number of certificates remaining for works scheduled for completion in the coming days. The most significant of these works involves the installation of tarmac across the full campus. To date, the builder has not been able to confirm a final date, and is coordinating with the sub- contractor to set a final schedule for  this to be laid, which will complete the necessary external works to allow building handover.

The council have arranged for further additional site management and staff resources which have commenced on site and are assisting with the completion of the internal finishing works, general snagging and completions.

We anticipate that the documentation upload for certification under the Building Control Amendment Regulations (BCAR) will now take place in June which will allow handover of the “dry” facilities to the operator. Please note that this is contingent on the completion of the remaining works scheduled by the main contractor.

Regarding the “pool” side of the facility, the programming of the remaining works are progressing and we will keep you updated on the key milestones related to the pool opening.

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.

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.