Hydraulic system issue forces closure of Newry swimming pool

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council reported on their social media platforms that they “are currently working with specialist contractors to address this issue to ensure the swimming pool is reopened as soon as possible”.

They added that a further update will be issued early next week in relation to anticipated re-opening timescales.

“Contractors will arrive onsite with their diving team on Friday morning to commence the repair process. This will involve the removal of the hydraulics, transportation to England for repair before being returned to Newry Leisure Centre where it will be reinstalled by the specialist team,” a council spokesperson said.

“We are acutely aware of the inconvenience this unforeseen situation has had on our service users. We sincerely apologise and appreciate your understanding during this time.”

Centre management have contacted all bookings/attendees directly regarding the cancellation of council swim / school swim lessons, while for children currently enrolled in Council swimming lessons, the last 2 sessions are now cancelled. A credit will be issued for these missed lessons which can be redeemed against future swimming lessons.

“For children who are at the highest lesson level and do not need to re-enrol, or should a child not wish to return to lessons, a refund for these two missed weeks will be issued. Leisure staff will contact parents/guardians regarding this,” the statement added.

“Centre management have been in touch with the designated points of contact for each club and commercial bookings to provide updates and discuss alternative arrangements.

“Centre management have contacted all online bookings regarding the cancellation of swim sessions this week. For bookings relating to the upcoming weeks, staff will continue to contact all online bookings directly, providing any further updates.

“For members of Newry Leisure Centre who have pool usage included in their membership and who pay monthly by Direct Debit, financial adjustments will be made to their April direct debit to reflect these closures.

“If a customer would like to contact us regarding a booking, a refund or any other enquiry please email [email protected]

“If a customer would like to contact Kilkeel Leisure Centre regarding pool availability, please do so via [email protected]

“The Health Suite within Newry Leisure Centre remains open at this time.”

“Further updates will be posted on our social media channels and via the NMD Be Active app.”