Users of Orchard Leisure Centre in Armagh have been left enduring weeks of uncomfortably cold conditions after a breakdown in the facility’s heating system, it has emerged.
Concerns have been raised over the ongoing issue, which has been affecting the centre since November, leaving staff, swimmers, gym users and families relying on temporary heaters during a period when temperatures have dipped below freezing.
The situation was highlighted at a recent council committee meeting, where it was revealed that a replacement part needed to fix the heating system is not expected to arrive until mid-February — around 11 weeks after the problem first arose.
In the meantime, users have complained that changing rooms remain particularly cold, sparking frustration among those who pay to use the public facility.
SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon said he had been contacted repeatedly by concerned facility users over the lack of heating.
He described the situation as “simply not acceptable” and said Armagh residents deserved the same standard of service and urgency as elsewhere in the borough.
While acknowledging that Orchard Leisure Centre is due to be replaced in the future, Councillor O’Hanlon said this should not excuse a prolonged outage in the meantime.
He said he would continue to push for immediate action, clearer communication and safeguards to prevent a similar situation happening again.
Responding to the concerns, an Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council spokesperson told Armagh I the heating system is currently operational but is underperforming due to its age and reduced efficiency.
“The heating system at Orchard Leisure Centre is currently operational; however, due to its age and reduced efficiency, it is not performing to its full potential,” the spokesperson said.
“To address this, Council has commissioned an upgrade of the existing system. The required parts have been ordered with an estimated lead time of ten weeks. Contractors have been instructed to proceed with the upgrade works as soon as the parts are delivered. In the meantime, additional heaters have been installed throughout the building to ensure adequate space heating is maintained.”
Council has said further updates will be provided once a definite date for the repairs is confirmed.
