Leisure Complex at Lough Lannagh obtains highest level National Quality Standard Award
Date: 29-01-2021
The doors of the Leisure Complex at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar may be closed to the public right now, but news announced yesterday by Ireland Active, the National Health and Leisure Body, that the facility has been awarded a coveted National Quality Standard Award will make reopening of the facility even more exciting when the time comes.
The level of award bestowed - Outstanding Standard - is the highest possible standard achievable and is the result of a thorough audit process which was carried out by Ireland Active at the facility last year.
The National Quality Standard Award, the most sought-after and respected accolade in the leisure and fitness industry, is awarded to facilities that meet the operational standards for leisure and fitness facilities across 250 quality-based criteria. The standard is designed to encourage excellence and continuous improvement within the sector and recognise facilities for their remarkable standards in the areas of safety, hygiene, human resources and customer service.
The auditor’s report complimented the professional management of the centre, its outstanding design and highlighted the extensive range of facilities for disabled users.
Mr Donal Newcombe, General Manager of the Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex said “I am delighted to receive confirmation of this national award which is very important in helping us meet our customer needs. I am proud of the all the staff at the Leisure Complex whose hard work and commitment to an ethos of excellence has made this achievement possible”.
The €11m Leisure Complex at Lough Lannagh was designed by Mayo County Council’s own Architects Team and opened to the public in April 2019. The facility contains the only 8 lane 25m swimming pool in the Connaught region making it very attractive for holding national competitive events. Mr. David O’Malley, Executive Engineer with Mayo County Council added “The achievement of a national quality standard award in our first year of operation is remarkable. This is an energy A-rated building which uses the latest technology to maintain the industries best environmental, safety and water quality standards”.
In addition to competitive and learner pools, the facility boasts a most modern gym, operated by local firm, The Movement, with an extensive range of equipment including top of the range cardio and resistance equipment for all users. Commenting on the centres achievement Mr Andy Moran, MD of The Movement said “We are thrilled that the Leisure Complex at Lough Lannagh is receiving such a prestigious award. It is a huge advantage to the people of Mayo to have an outstanding facility like this on their doorstep. We are delighted to be a part of such an incredible project and wish to thank you, our customers, for your loyalty and patience since we opened our doors in April 2019. We look forward to welcoming you all back in 2021 and we will continue to strive, to improve on these standards over the coming years”.
Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District Councillor Blackie Gavin said “This award is a marvellous achievement for the Leisure Complex at Lough Lannagh and supports our Masterplan for Lough Lannagh which aims to develop Castlebar as a world class location for leisure, sports and sport tourism. I would like to thank Ireland Active and all the team at Lough Lannagh for securing this important standard despite the huge pressures being faced by the leisure industry because of Covid 19. We intend to mark this success with our staff and customers once it is safe to do so”.