Concerns over pool availability after lane closure

Issues with pool tiles were first noticed in November

The closure of two lanes at the main pool at the National Sports Centre has had a "big impact on pool availability" island-wide, an MHK has said.

The complex underwent a £4.4m revamp between 2018 and 2021, but tiling issues have meant part of the pool has been out of use since November.

Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood raised concerns about the displacement of the national team to the pool in Peel and gala cancellations.

Education, Sport and Culture Minister Julie Edge said investigations had been undertaken "to understand the root of the problem".

The minister was questioned in the House of Keys about the cost of the repairs needed and the timescale for the work.

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse asked about the length of time it had taken for survey results to be issued and if the tiles affected had been laid as been part of the refurbishment project.

Dr Haywood asked if the minister would "chase this up as a matter of matter some urgency" because of the knock-on effect it had had on other facilities.

'Safety grounds'

Ms Edge said testing had taken place in two stages, on 15 November and at the end of that month, and the department was still waiting for a report on the findings.

Confirming the tiles had be replaced during the refit, she said "when you have to get testing done on adhesives used, it will take some time".

The minister told politicians any cancellations of events had taken place on "safety grounds".

Once the report had been received, the department would "understand the cost and timeline of repairs" at the Douglas facility, she added.