Councils update service arrangements following COVID-19 restrictions

Local authorities in the region have outlined plans to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.

Westmeath County Council has announced that Athlone Castle and the Luan Gallery will close this evening (Friday) until March 29.

Public libraries already closed on Thursday and the council said that Belvedere House Gardens and Park and Mullingar Swimming Pool would also close this evening.

Aside from the above, all council public buildings remain open and council services are operating as normal.

Athlone Regional Sports Centre is also open.

In a social media post this afternoon, the centre said it was closely monitoring all concerns regarding Coronavirus (Covid 19) and it was committed to playing its part in actively supporting the Containment and Delay Phases of Covid-19.

It has reduced numbers in its fitness classes to ensure it complied with the HSE guided separation rule. All online timetables have been updated to take this into account.

Aqua Aerobics classes will be cancelled until March 29 and sauna steam room and jacuzzi are closed

There is restricted access to cardio machines at the gym with every second piece of cardio unavailable to ensure HSE guided separation rule.

“If we find that numbers are exceeding recommended guidelines and members are required to wait for numbers to reduce before entering, we will then introduce a booking system whereby you can book an hourly slot,” manager Liam Cunningham said

As per HSE advice, swimming pools are safe (once appropriate chlorine levels are maintained) and the swimming pool is open although all children’s swimming lessons will finish at 7.30pm this evening.

In keeping with HSE advice regarding social distancing and reducing the spread of COVID-19, Westmeath County Council is asking the public to use, where possible, telephone, email and similar methods to transact your business with us.

Roscommon County Council has confirmed that it has closed all libraries, the arts centre, King House and  Roscommon Leisure Centre until March 29.

All other services remain unaffected at this time. 

All local authorities have encouraged people to follow Department of Health guidelines which can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/