Pool Roof Replacement: Your questions answered

Q: What’s the status of the pool roof replacement?

We’re making huge progress.

You’ll have seen plenty of activity on site, including major machinery and part of the car park being closed for the works.

The site is being prepared for removal of the existing roof, before moving onto its replacement. This is a major milestone and work continues at pace.

Q: When will the pool reopen?

We had originally planned to reopen in September. While we couldn’t say precisely when, due to the nature of this size of project, that was our agreed timeframe with our contractors.

There has now been a delay due to an additional challenge discovered during the works.

At present, we expect that delay to be measured in weeks rather than months.

We’re working hard to reduce the impact on the programme and will give you a much firmer reopening date as soon as we possibly can.

Q: Why has there been a delay?

A very small amount of asbestos has been identified within the pool roof.

Asbestos was commonly used in buildings of this age, so we had allowed a contingency within the project in case any materials requiring specialist care or other challenges were to arise.

Its removal is a very well documented and regulated process and we’re following the precise guidelines from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and our specialist contractors. Safe removal of this material happens often in many building projects but it does add additional time and cost.

The rest of the PSLC roof and building is being isolated from the pool roof as part of the removal. All other areas remain open and operational as normal.

Q: What about the pool staff?

Pool staff account for around 50% of the PSLC workforce, and we remain fully committed to them and to getting the pool reopened.

At the PSLC Board meeting on 19th of August, it was agreed that pool staff will be invited back to work from early October.

There is plenty of preparation required before reopening, and our pool team will play a huge part in getting everything ready to welcome everyone back.

Q: How is the fundraising going?

We’re making progress, but there is still a long way to go.

More than 130 people have already donated, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated, shared the fundraiser or helped us spread the word.

As we move into September, we’ll be stepping up our activity and reaching more residents, local businesses, community organisations and potential supporters.

There is still a significant funding gap to close, and we need your help.

How can I Help?

Visit us.

Come and enjoy the PSLC facilities. Book a padel court, grab a coffee, come for dinner, live sport and drinks or hit the gym and book a class. The best way to support our club is to enjoy our club.

To go even further, we would be very grateful of any donation to our GoFundMe campaign. Click here to donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pslcfundraiser.

Top Tip: GoFundMe automatically set a tip amount. Before completing a donation, you can change that tip amount. This is not something we as fundraisers control.

Q: What else are you doing to raise funds?

There’s lots happening.

A new PSLC sponsorship programme will launch shortly, creating opportunities for businesses to partner with us and reach the hundreds of thousands of visits the PSLC receives each year.

We also have a major gala event coming up, fundraising activity involving the many clubs that call the PSLC home, and lots more planned over the coming weeks and months.

Q: Why is the PSLC still investing in other areas?

Some of the projects you’re seeing now were planned and committed long before the pool roof problem was discovered.

Our new padel courts are a great example. That investment was already committed, and the courts have since been an enormous success, attracting new and regular players and generating revenue for the PSLC while delivering outstanding value for money for this rapidly growing sport.

These investments help us attract more members and visitors, generate income that is reinvested in other areas of the club.

Q: What else is coming up at the PSLC?

Many new and exciting offerings.

Projects already committed will continue to launch over the coming weeks and months, including the exciting new Martello Training Lab, developments to our bar and restaurant offering and much more.

We’re also hosting some major activities and events over the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our social channels and website.

Q: What if I have a question or concern?

Please talk to us.

If you have any questions about the roof, the reopening, the specialist works, fundraising or anything else, please get in touch with us directly.

We will give you as much information as we possibly can, based on the latest advice and information from our contractors, specialist advisers and the relevant authorities.

We would much rather you ask us than be left with a question or concern.

We’ll continue to keep everyone updated as the project progresses, and we’re doing everything we can to get the pool reopened as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and continued support of the PSLC.