Released on: January 21, 2008, 3:07 am

Press Release Author: Mark Dunphy/Dunphy Public Relations

Industry: Construction

Press Release Summary: Askeaton, County Limerick, 21st January 2008 - A long
established history of organised swimming in West Limerick was celebrated today
(Monday) with the official opening of Askeaton Pool And Leisure Centre by President
of Ireland, Mary McAleese.

Press Release Body: Developed by Askeaton Pool and Leisure Ltd, a special purpose
company consisting of Limerick County Council and Askeaton Swimming Club, the newly
developed project also marks a milestone in the delivery of public recreation
facilities in County Limerick.

The EUR5.66M public facility, the only one of its kind between Limerick City and
North Kerry, consists of an indoor 25m swimming pool, kiddies pool, sauna and steam
room, changing village and gym facility.

The history of organised swimming in Askeaton goes back to the 1950s when the
Askeaton Swimming Club was established. Through the efforts of the swimming club and
local community, in conjunction with Limerick County Council, an outdoor heated
swimming pool was provided in 1971. Prior to this galas and swimming events were
held in the Deel river, which passes through the town. The Askeaton Pool and
Leisure Centre is constructed on the site of the original outdoor pool.

"Askeaton Pool and Leisure Ltd. has delivered a state of the art, 21st century
leisure facility that is a lasting tribute to Askeaton's proud and lengthy
association with organised swimming and water sports", stated Cllr. Kevin Sheahan,
Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council and Chairperson of Askeaton Pool & Leisure
Limited.

The Cathaoirleach expressed optimism that the new facility would help encourage the
people of West Limerick to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

"The community swimming pool will provide a focal point for the community; it will
encourage healthy activity for children and adults, as well as being a positive
gathering place for members of the local community", explained Cllr. Sheahan.

The Askeaton native added, "I hope that more people in Askeaton and surrounding
areas will now become involved in leisure activities, in line with the Council's
vision of improving the health, fitness and well being of County Limerick. I am
delighted to see that the new facility is also providing opportunities for
employment and training."

Mr. Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager, described the new facility as a wonderful
example of what can be achieved by adopting a partnership approach to improving
community life.

"The collaborative approach adopted in developing the centre is founded on the
passion and commitment of the region\'s businesses and the community of
Askeaton for swimming, combined with the administrative and professional support of
Limerick County Council, exchequer grant funding and contributions from the region's
business community", stated the County Manager.

He continued, "Through fostering links with the community, business and sporting
sectors the Council feels that this partnership approach will provide a useful
template for future joint local authority-community led projects. Projects like this
have a significant role to play in the development and future prosperity of the
region, so I am delighted the local authority has been able to support it."

"The Council recognises that its participation in the project fulfils many of the
core principles contained in its Corporate Plan, including enhancing the quality of
life, social inclusion and sustainable development", concluded Mr. Gleeson.

The Askeaton Pool And Leisure Centre project went to tender in 2005, with lead
contractor M Fitzgibbon (Builders) Ltd commencing construction in April 2006.
Askeaton Pool and Leisure Ltd worked closely with the design team (headed by Holohan
Architects, and including Erinaceous Quantity Surveyors, Michael Punch and Partners,
Consulting Engineers and Don O'Malley and Partners, Consulting Engineers) in
designing the facility.

The centre, which opened to members of the public in August 2007, is being managed
and operated by Coral Leisure on behalf of Askeaton Pool and Leisure Ltd.

Funding for the development of the centre was secured from the Department of Arts,
Sport and Tourism Swimming Pool Grant Scheme (EUR3.809M) and Sports Capitals Grant
Scheme (EUR370,000); from Limerick County Council Development Contribution Scheme
and from Askeaton Swimming Club fundraising/sponsorship.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
- To arrange an interview please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations
on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com.
Background: Askeaton Swimming Club commissioned a feasibility study for an indoor
facility in 1998. The Council was invited by Askeaton Swimming Club to become a
partner in the realisation of the project in 1999, and the process has been jointly
progressed by both parties since. In order to develop and implement the project a
special purpose company, Askeaton Pool & Leisure Ltd was established in 2005 with
both parties represented on the board of directors.

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Contact Details: Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
IRELAND
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media@dunphypr.com
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