The successful completion of a major building contact has been officially marked with over 4,000 people gathering in Shannon town centre for the official opening of the Shannon Swimming and Leisure Centre.

The new construction contract is great cause for celebration as 16 full-time and eight permanent part-time positions have been created by the €1.4m re-development which now features a 25 metre swimming pool, gymnasium, skateboard park, climbing wall, two sports halls, dance studio, floodlit outdoor tennis courts, café/relaxation area, steam and sauna, treatment rooms, and wet and dry dressing rooms.

All the facilities are accessible for persons with a disability.

Rev Bob Hanna and Parish Priest of Shannon Fr. Tom Ryan blessed the centre before Minister for Defence and local TD, Tony Killeen officially opened it.

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The opening ceremony was followed by a free fun day, which was co-sponsored by Shannon Town Council who also part-funded the Skateboard park.

Minister Tony Killeen, commented: "The official opening event marks the culmination of the latest chapter in the ongoing development of facilities at the centre."

He commended "all of the members of the community for their vision, commitment and dedication in continuing to improve this excellent facility for the people of Shannon."

The Clare Deputy added: "Sport is an invaluable tool for developing physical and mental health, for both young and old. It is also vital that the foundations for active participation in sport and physical activity are laid in the early years of childhood and maintained in adulthood."

Speaking at the official opening, Mayor of Shannon Councillor Tony Mulcahy said: "The sense of community engendered by a community facility such as this cannot be underestimated. I have no doubt that it will have a positive, social impact on Shannon and surrounding areas.

"This swimming and leisure centre also provides a positive focal point for the community and will encourage children and adults to adopt a healthy lifestyle, as well as make Shannon a more vibrant place to live in and a more attractive place for visitors to the town."

(BMcC/GK)