Leisureland won’t open until May at the earliest

 A new timeframe for the reopening of the Leisureland pool and gym in Salthill which were damaged by the winter storms almost two months ago is set to be unveiled this week.

 Members of the Leisureland Board of Management are set to be updated with a report into the extent of the damage during a meeting which is to take place on Friday.

It now looks as though it could be May at the earliest before the entire complex reopens to members of the public, clubs, and gym members who have been unable to use the facility since January 3 last.

“We are hoping to be given a time-frame at Friday’s meeting,” said Cllr Donal Lyons (Independent), Chairman of the Leisureland Board, yesterday. “It hasn’t been confirmed yet whether or not the tiling of the swimming pool needs to be replaced.

“All of the necessary reports will come before the Board next week. It’s now in the hands of assessors and insurance companies with regard to what has to be repaired.”

Plans to re-open the entire building were put on hold following concerns over the impact which sea water and the subsequent drying out of the pool area had on the tiles and grouting at the 25 metre pool.

The worst flooding in the 41-year history of the building has forced sports and swimming clubs to find temporary accommodation elsewhere, while club members are being given the option of transferring to another venue or extending their membership terms.

The Sentinel understands that the final cost of repairing the damage could vastly exceed the initial estimate of €500,000 if an independent assessor finds that all of the tiling at the swimming pool needs to be replaced.

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