Opening of Askeaton Pool & Leisure DAC
- Published on: 8 December 2025
- Last updated on: 6 February 2026
- project allocated €1,265,750 by department under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (‘LSSIF’)
- Minister for Culture, Communications, and Sport Patrick O’ Donovan officially reopens the recently renovated Askeaton Pool & Leisure
- the newly renovated Askeaton Pool & Leisure reopens following extensive works to improve flood resilience, upgrade facilities, and enhance energy efficiency, delivering a modern, sustainable amenity for the local community
Patrick O’ Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, and Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, with special responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, welcomed the completion of significant refurbishment and upgrade works at the Askeaton Pool & Leisure DAC in County Limerick, which was officially reopened today (8 December 2025).
Askeaton Swimming Pool in County Limerick has been closed since March 2023 to accommodate the works which were supported under the department’s Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (‘LSSIF’). The works consisted of raising the plant room to mitigate flood risk and provision of new Mechanical and Electrical equipment. Energy efficiency measures included installing a new pool water treatment system, upgraded ventilation and a new air-to-water heat pump and a solar panel system was installed on the roof. The works also included upgrades to the pool and gym facilities.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister O’Donovan said:
“I‘m delighted to attend the official reopening of Askeaton Pool and Leisure today and see this department-backed sport project serving the needs of the local community. The delivery of this project is a testament to the hard work of the local community, Limerick City and County Council, Askeaton Pool & Leisure DAC, Swim Ireland and department officials, and all stakeholders involved in this project. Swimming promotes physical health, mental well-being, and a strong sense of community. Ireland’s first National Swimming Strategy sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim. Facilities like this play a vital role in giving people access to swimming and in developing the next generation of Irish swimming talent.”
Minister McConalogue commented:
“The government recognises that sport has a tremendous potential to improve the health and wellbeing of all our people. It is vitally important that we have facilities like these so that everyone can benefit. I’m delighted to see the renovation of these facilities, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability. I know that this facility will be a valued resource which will promote health and fitness for all ages and abilities for many years to come."
Notes
Askeaton Pool & Leisure in County Limerick has been closed since March 2023 for major refurbishment works. The closure was primarily due to:
- flood protection measures: The facility is located near the River Deel and was vulnerable to flooding, so significant flood defences were installed
- mechanical and electrical upgrades: Essential systems were modernised to improve safety and efficiency
- general renovations: The leisure centre area was upgraded, including the pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and gym facilities
The works were funded by the Department of Sport’s Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) and Limerick City and County Council. Project allocated €1,265,750 by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (‘LSSIF’). Swim Ireland has been appointed as the new operator of the facility.