Staff, management and children pictured at the re-opening the Apex Sports, Leisure and Health Centre, New Ross. Pic: John Walsh
THE APEX swimming pool and leisure complex in New Ross has re-opened to the public again following extensive repair and refurbishment work.
The state-of-the-art facility was forced to close 14 months ago after suffering extensive damage to its roof during violent storms that rocked the entire country.
However, on Wednesday it all systems go as the facility finally re-opened its doors again.
District Director, Eamonn Hore, spoke to the Echo at the facility and welcomed the fact the facility was operational again describing it as a great day for New Ross.
“We had two of the foremost technicians in the country surveying the work on the roof in Steve McQuaid and John Norris,” said Mr. Hore.
He said both technicians came to the same conclusions and the local authority is now happy and confident that all systems in place at the facility are safe and secure.
There are some obvious aesthetic changes to the facility from how it previously looked such as the erection of several TV monitors around the centre.
There are nine new screens in the gymnasium which will allow users to view their favourite TV programme while enjoying a workout.
There are also new signs around the building and according to Mr. Hore everyone involved with the facility had an input into how it could be improved before being reopened.
“The Board, obviously, looked at it along with the new Manager, M.J. Cooper, and the staff members,” he said.
“Everyone looked at how it could be improved and I think it looks fantastic,” he added.
M.J. Cooper (Manager):
The new centre Manager, M.J. Cooper said people were queuing to get into the facility from around 7 a.m. on Wednesday despite the fact it wasn’t officially opened until 11 a.m.
“They were trying to avail of the discount specials we have on today but even with that we had over 25,000 hits on the net which was great,” he said.
The facility is offering a range of new incentives including specials for youth membership and for those aged over 55.
“There are special off-peak rates from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” said Mr. Cooper.
In addition to eight new staff members nine of the old staff are still involved with the facility while more of the original staff members have been seconded to other areas of the local authority.
A shortlist of candidates for the position of Assistant Manager is currently being compiled and it’s hoped that position will be filled shortly.
There were over 700 applicants for positions at the facility prior to it reopening.
“We are very happy with the staff,” said Mr. Hore.
“They are very friendly and even today have proven themselves to be good with the public,” he added.
The gymnasium section of the centre has been revamped with new matting and better overall facilities.
There are numerous schools booked in up to the summer holidays and a large percentage of lessons and other activities are very well booked.
“There will be around 350 children taught and that’s excluding school groups,” said Mr. Cooper.
“There are 19 school groups booked to-date as well,” he added.
Competitions run on social media platforms resulted in 25,000 people responding which was more than anyone involved with the facility could have expected.
The Board also decided to offer incentives and rewards to people who kept their membership in the wake of the facility closing with extra months free depending on their respective membership arrangements.
Anthony Connick (Chairperson of the Board):
Cllr. Anthony Connick is the Chairperson of the Board of Management at the Apex and he also welcomed the reopening when he spoke to the Echo on Wednesday.
“It’s just great to have it reopened again and it’s a great facility for the town,” he said.
Cllr. Connick also said with the new offers the facility will give people an even bigger choice than before.
“It’s a great day for the town and I very much welcome it being reopened,” he said.
Cllr. Connick also welcomed the fact the New Ross Swimming Club will be basing themselves back at the centre in the coming weeks.
The club suffered a major setback with the closure as its members had to seek facilities elsewhere to train.
However, now the club will be able to relocate back to the town which will be of benefit to all its members.
“All in all it’s a good day for New Ross and while it’s been a while coming the day has come and now we can look forward to a good summer,” said Cllr. Connick.
Mr. Hore acknowledged the role played by everyone involved in getting the centre reopened on time and paid tribute to Mythen Construction for the work it did.
