SIPTU members employed at the swimming pool in Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, have called on the college administration to reverse its decision to close the facility. The workers met today (Tuesday, 16th June) to discuss their response to the announcement on Friday (12th June) that the pool is to close. At the meeting it was decided to call a public meeting to discuss a campaign to save the pool from closure which will take place in McMahon's Pub, Maynooth, on Monday (June 22nd) at 7.30 p.m. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Louise O’Reilly, said: “The decision by the administration of the university to close the pool came totally out of the blue. There has been no consultation with staff regarding a survival plan for the facility or the impact that its closure would have on them. “The workers are devastated by the pool’s closure, not only for themselves and the loss of their jobs but for the community that used the pool on a regular basis. As well as the 800 children who regularly use the pool, the facility is also used by the Sting Rays, the local Special Olympics Club, as well as numerous clubs and societies from Maynooth University." She added: “All weekend staff have been fielding calls from distressed parents. One child, who regularly uses the pool, has posted an offer on her Facebook page to donate her Communion money to save the pool. Parents and local politicians have also been in contact expressing concern about the negative consequences for the community of the closure. "We are calling on the University to keep this facility open and save the jobs of our members. We urge all concerned members of the local community to attend the meeting on Monday, 22nd June, to make make clear their demand that the pool remains open.”
SIPTU calls on Maynooth University to reverse decision to close swimming pool
