A new state-of-the-art lift system called Poolpod has been installed in the dlr Leisure Loughlinstown centre to support the work to provide easy and independent access to the swimming pool. Poolpod is a sleek and modern pool lift which offers adignified and quick means of Access for All for visitors who are wheelchair users or have mobilitychallenges.

The modern facility offers a high level of independence for persons with mobility issues, providing them with a simple and comfortable method of access to and egress from the pool. The Poolpod, itself an innovative prototype, was developed around very specific access needs at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.  

Attending the launch, An Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Cllr. Lettie McCarthy, declared her delight at the addition of this this new piece of equipment ‘This new lift system is not just for people with a disability - it will benefit the whole community and reflects an acknowledgement of the increasing number of swimmers with reduced mobility, a number set to increase in line with an aging population.’ 

The installation of this Poolpod has been made possible due to a collaboration between Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership and dlr Leisure. These agencies have a longstanding commitment to the development of participation programmes for children with special needs. Across the three dlr Leisure managed pool facilities a dedicated sensory friendly pool hour has been in operation each week since last summer, which is used in a flexible and adaptive method to facilitate both introduction to the water and skills development. 

Niall Cull, CEO of dlr Leisure, stated ‘These initiatives came about as a response to a drive and commitment to address real issues of providing access for all and ease of access to the pool. Swimmers of all levels of mobility can now enjoy a swim without having to worry about issues around getting in and out of the water’.  

The Poolpod is now a permanent facility in the dlr Leisure Loughlinstown centre, and it offers swimmers of all ages and all levels of mobility a discrete, safe and east to use option when using this popular swimming pool. For further details on the Poolpod or how to book the pool contact the centre on 01-2823344.