A community campaign has called on Maynooth University to reverse the decision to close its swimming pool and save the jobs of the SIPTU members who work at the facility.

The call was made at an organising meeting of the local campaign, held in McMahon's Pub, Maynooth, on Monday (22nd June), to get the pool re-opened.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Louise O’Reilly, said: “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: “We are calling on the University to keep this facility open and save the jobs of our members. The President of Maynooth University has been contacted several times by the union and local elected representatives with requests that he meet with the workers’ representatives to discuss this issue. To date he has refused to agree to any meeting.”