Energy costs may close Tropicana

Energy costs may close Tropicana

10 December 2014

THE future of the Tropicana outdoor swimming pool in Newcastle is to be reviewed as concern mounts about its spiralling energy costs.

The pool and adjoining Newcastle Centre are the local authority’s second biggest energy user behind Downpatrick’s Down Leisure Centre, accounting for almost one fifth of the council’s annual energy bill.

Last week, it was revealed that despite one of the warmest summers on record, the outdoor pool used over 29,000 litres of heating oil during July and August to heat its water. Electricity costs increased by £3,781 over the summer.

The pool used 13,768 litres of oil in July and 15,361 litres in August. The oil usage figures for June and September were just 1,573 and 492 litres respectively.

The biggest daily spikes in oil usage came on July 3 when the pool used 546 litres of oil at a cost of £354.90 and on August 25, when the pool used 686 litres of oil at a cost of almost £446.

Traditionally, energy costs soar over the summer as oil is required to power a large boiler to heat the water in the outdoor pool, but politicians are concerned at the impact the energy costs are having on the district’s ratepayers.

Figures published last week reveal that oil and electricity costs at the outdoor pool increased by £21,000 during July and August.

The income generated over the same period was £30,500, but members of Down Council’s Building and Estates Committee were told last week that there are other operating and staffing costs associated with the outdoor pool.

Councillors agreed that the Tropicana’s operation should be reviewed given what officers have described as the “significant energy costs involved.”

Officers have been asked to identify potential for increased efficiency in terms of operating hours, particularly during periods of poor weather when the cost of heating the outdoor pool increases. Down Council chief executive, Mr. John Dumigan, said the question which needs to be asked is does the local authority want to continue with the Tropicana given the running costs associated with it?

“The outdoor pool costs an arm and a leg to run. The costs are a concern for this council and have been for a number of years,” he said.

Confirming the role of the outdoor pool and Newcastle Centre is also being reviewed by the new shadow council as part of a detailed examination of all buildings and facilities across its area, Mr. Dumigan said Down Council identified an issue with the running costs of both facilities some time ago.

“The age of these buildings and their running costs was one of the key reasons why we decided to build a new leisure facility in Newcastle.

“The more money you put into facilities like the Tropicana and the Newcastle Centre the more you are wasting,” he added.