Newry, Mourne and Down District Council set to freeze leisure charges

The council’s active and healthy communities committee approved the leisure and sport scale of charges report this week.

A recommendation to “progress with remedial works” to Newry Leisure Centre swimming pool was also approved at the same meeting, though details were discussed during a confidential session away from the media and public.

The local authority’s charging report for 2024/25 identifies seven leisure facilities and 40 playing fields, which can be used for commercial and non-commercial purposes.

The council report reads: “Leisure and sports services annually review its scale charges in line with the rates estimates process to ensure a timely implementation for the beginning of the financial year.

“Over the pasty eight years the amalgamation of legacy councils, the leisure and sports scale of charges have focused on a phased alignment of pricing across the district.

“Although a majority of pricing has now been aligned, this is a fluid continual review process addressed annually via the scale of charges process as anomalies become apparent and new facilities and prices are established.

“Any historical pricing will now be superseded by the leisure and sport scale of charges 2024/25.

“Discretionary pricing flexibility is to continue as and when required.”

The scale of charges will go forward to the next full council meeting to be ratified.

Essential works to address issues relating to the hydraulic system of Newry swimming pool’s moving floor and the replacement of pool tiles will now commence.

The pool will remain closed across the school summer holidays to facilitate the programme of works, which is estimated to be completed in approximately six months.