Taoiseach officially opens new Aura Leisure Centre

A new era for sport and leisure in Offaly was heralded last Friday, as Taoiseach Brian Cowen officially opened the new €12 million Aura Tullamore Leisure Centre. The state-of-the-art complex will be managed by Aura Sport and Leisure Management, one of Ireland"s largest and most experienced leisure management companies, with Taoiseach Brian Cowen describing the facility as a 'major addition' to the social infrastructure of Tullamore. Located on the Hophill Road, just outside the town centre, facilities at the new Aura Tullamore Leisure Centre include a 25-metre swimming pool, a learner pool, shallow play-pool with fun features, a fully equipped state-of-the-art gym, teen gym, aerobics studio, steam room and sauna. The centre also has two five-aside all-weather football pitches. Aura Sport and Leisure currently manages nine other centres nationwide in Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan, Leitrim, Tuam, Letterkenny, Cobh, Youghal and Killarney, and ensures that all facilities are accessible to both members and Pay-As-You-Go customers. Aura"s Pay-As-You-Go option allows customers to simply pay each time they want to use any of the centres" state-of-the-art facilities. The Taoiseach has been closely aligned with the project for many years and gave his full support to the Tullamore Town Council last Friday, saying: 'This magnificent swimming pool and leisure facility has been a long time coming for Tullamore, but it has been well worth the wait. While Government funding for the project has been significant, it would not be here today but for the hard work and fundraising by the committee down through the years, and they can take great pride in their part in delivering this major addition to the social infrastructure for the town.' He continued: 'Anyone who has been associated with this project down through the years will realise the significance of today"s event and can take great personal pride in seeing this magnificent facility become a reality. There were times, I am sure, when the fundraising committee in particular wondered whether their goal was really attainable or simply a pipe-dream. Their vision, commitment to the cause and unstinting determination has delivered this fine infrastructure for the town. 'I commend you all on your successful efforts to date and hope that you and your families derive great benefit from these facilities for many years to come. This state-of-the-art centre is designed to meet the recreational and sporting needs of the people of Tullamore and its surrounding areas. The idea of developing a facility such as this was first mooted some 20 years ago. I think we can all agree that it has been well worth the wait.' The Taoiseach said the building looks 'fantastic' and complimented the architects on the design. He said: 'I am also delighted to note that the facilities here have been specifically designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Also noteworthy are the energy efficient features, including solar panels and the heat and power-unit which generate electricity and use the residual heat produced to heat the building.' Projected annual visits to the swimming pool are estimated at around 200,000 in the first year. This new centre was completed at a cost of €12.8 million in a partnership involving the Government, the local authorities, and the local community, with €500,000 provided by the local community in Tullamore. Cllr Sean O"Brien, Chairperson of the Tullamore Town Council, and Joe Stewart, Chairman of Leisure Ltd., accompanied the Taoiseach to officially open the new centre. Commenting at the launch, Cllr O"Brien said: "This is a very proud day for the people of Tullamore and the whole community have been hoping for this day for over twenty years. I"m thrilled that so many people have already signed up for membership and am in no doubt that this trend will continue.'