SDLP Welcome Updates on Kilkeel Leisure Centre
The SDLP’s Colin McGrath MLA and Dominic O’Reilly have welcomed updates on the future of Kilkeel Leisure Centre from the Council’s Leisure and Sport Department.
Commenting, the South Down MLA has said: “Following concerns that have been raised by local constituents, Dominic and I have been working with Newry Mourne and Down District Council to address the gaps there are in the provision of swimming facilities at Kilkeel Leisure Centre .
“We wish to ensure that such provision is sustainable. I am delighted to see that we have seen a considerable level of progress from the council in a short space of time that I would hope will put people’s minds at ease that the centre’s future is secure.
“Whether this is in relation to the newly-appointed members of staff at the centre or the recently announced planning permission for the upgrade of the centre. We are seeing movement, and this is important for all of us.”
Mournes area representative Dominic O’Reilly said: “This is welcome news for all of us in the Mournes area. There are some issues which continue to need to be addressed, such as the provision of swimming lessons for local schools.
“However, with the appointment of new staff within the Leisure Centre this should be resolved very soon, which is news to be welcomed.
“The real test of the sustainability of the Centre will be in seeing the essential upgrades come to fruition.
“I would hope this would be a priority for the Council, and I will be contacting our local SDLP Councillor Hugh Gallagher who chairs the Active & Healthy Communities committee to see if this can be highlighted via the committee.
“So while these are welcome developments we are under no illusion that these are just the first steps.”
