Facilities for disabled swimmers came under the spotlight in Tynwald this week.

It was brought up after Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson confirmed that the swimming pool at Glencrutchery School had been closed for 16 months with no firm date as to when it would reopen.

Juan Watterson (Rushen) asked why all the island’s swimming pools were not adapted for disabled customers.

Dr Allinson admitted: ’Some of our pools are relatively old. There has been a comprehensive programme to renovate and replace pools, for instance in the west and the north the pools now have full disability access because that was the standard when they were built.

’We do have a problem in the south, which has an old facility, which when it was built was not built with disabled access at the forefront of its mind.’

The minister said: ’In particular to Glencrutchery pool, this pool is a specialist provision for our special units and is particularly designed for those who may have disabilities to take part in swimming in a controlled environment.’

Dr Allinson said the pool at Glencrutchery School in Douglas had needed maintenance and improvement for a significant period of time.

It closed in March last year with the lockdown and in July last year the Education Department became aware of concerns over water quality and until the cause was identified the pool should remain closed.

It was also reported the pool was losing a substantial of water due to leaks. Sections of pipes have been replaced, along with the installation of an additional pool outlet and new drainage pools. Retiling is taking place.

’Once the pool has been refilled, an assessment will need to be made on the equipment within the plant room and subject to its performance the pool will be able to reopen,’ said Dr Allinson. ’As of yet the timescale for reopening has not been finalised.’

He pledged to work with the Department of Infrastructure to have the pool open as soon as possible.