NEW: Thurles Leisure Centre respond to claims children were hospitalised after pool incident

Thurles Leisure Centre have issued a new statement after claims were made that a chemical reaction in the swimming pool and changing facility areas of their centre led to the emergency treatment and hospitalisation of several children on Monday, August 11.

On Tuesday morning, the Tipperary Star broke the story that ptrons of Thurles Leisure Centre were evacuated by members of staff on Monday, August 11, following a serious incident.

Emergency services were called to the scene after a routine cleaning of the changing facilities caused a potentially dangerous reaction.

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June Kavanagh is the acting manager of the leisure centre, she confirmed to the Tipperary Star that “an incident occurred in Thurles Leisure Centre on the 11th August, which resulted in the fire brigade and one ambulance being called to the centre”.

“The incident related to a chemical reaction which occurred during routine cleaning of the changing facilities.

“As per Leisure Centre protocols for such incidents the fire brigade were called to attend and deal with the reaction.

“On advice of the fire services and as a precautionary measure Leisure Centre staff removed all patrons from the pool.

“We would like to thank all patrons of the swimming pool for their understanding and co-operation.”

The popular leisure centre, located on Cathedral Street, remained closed for the rest of the day, and reopened on Tuesday afternoon.

When the story was initially broken online, several parents who were at Thurles Leisure Centre suggested that the incident was far more serious, with children who were present “getting sick, coughing and choking”.

The same user alleged that several emergency medical vehicles were present and that multiple children were treated at the scene with some being taken to a nearby hospital.

They also claimed that, as of Tuesday morning, no one from the centre had checked with the parents involved as to the wellbeing of the affected children.

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Another commented to say that she was there and described the ordeal as “very scary for everyone” and that she “hopes all involved are okay and make a full recovery.”

When these claims were put to the Thurles Leisure Centre by the Tipperary Star, Ms Kavanagh said it would “not be appropriate for the leisure centre to comment on the medical care of children”.

When asked why An Garda Síochána were not notified of the incident or present alongside the emergency services, Ms Kavanagh said they were not notified as “no criminal incident had occurred”.

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