Kildare County Council has announced that K Leisure Athy and K Leisure Naas have achieved PoolMark accreditation from the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG), becoming only the second pool operator in Ireland and the first Local Authority leisure facilities to receive the honour.

Regarded as the gold standard for pool operations, PoolMark recognises excellence in management, safety, hygiene and water quality. The PWTAG accreditation provides assurance to the public and operators that facilities meet the highest health and safety standards.

To secure PoolMark, swimming facilities undergo a rigorous assessment covering:

- Water quality, including chemical balance, filtration and turnover rates

- Facility hygiene and overall cleanliness

- Infection prevention and control - Risk management and health and safety procedures

- Staff training and competency

- Compliance with industry best practice

PoolMark is held by a select number of swimming facilities and is widely recognised as a benchmark of operational excellence across the sector.

Speaking at the presentation, the Leas-Chathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in achieving this prestigious accreditation. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication demonstrated every day by the entire K Leisure team and reflects K Leisure's commitment to providing safe, high-quality facilities for our communities. Being the first Local Authority leisure facilities in Ireland to receive this accreditation is a significant achievement and one of which County Kildare can be very proud."