The €1.4m redevelopment of a swimming and leisure facility in Shannon, Co Clare, will result in the creation of 18 new jobs.

Work has commenced on the redevelopment of the facility, which will include a 25 metre swimming pool, gymnasium, skateboard park, climbing wall, two sports halls, dance studio, floodlit outdoor tennis courts, café, steam and sauna, treatment rooms, and wet and dry dressing rooms. All the facilities will be accessible for persons with a disability.

Management say 12 full-time and six part-time positions will be created when the facility opens on Saturday July 3rd.

"The closure of the facility in January 2009 left a void for people in Shannon and the wider community in terms of locally accessible leisure facilities," said Centre Manager, Karl Fogarty

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"Shannon is County Clare’s second largest town and the new swimming and leisure facility, once completed, will serve a regional population of more than 200,000 people.

"The creation of 18 jobs will further complement the economic benefits associated with this redeveloped centre for the Shannon area."

Councillor Patricia McCarthy, Secretary of Shannon Swimming & Leisure Centre Co. Ltd. added: "The Shannon Swimming and Leisure Centre will cater for the recreational needs of all members of the local community and also will host summer camps, school tours and gymnastic clubs from the wider Mid West Region. Once opened, the centre will further enhance Shannon town’s status as a great place to live, work and visit.

"The Leisure Centre works in partnership with Clare County Council and Shannon Town Council, managing both the Tir Na nOg play area and Bring Centre on their behalf."

The estimated cost of the renovation and restoration works, as well as the delivery of new outdoor facilities, will be €1,236,673. The replacement of the Air Handing Unit, Retiling of The Pool and Surround, Fitting out of Kitchen and Lounge Area will cost an additional €135,213.

(NS/GK)