Bailout for leisure centre forced to close over energy bill

A troubled swimming pool complex in a Kerry seaside resort is to receive a government bailout.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring has confirmed a grant of almost €164,000 to Ballybunion Health and Leisure Centre.

However, the centre, which closed for a period earlier this year because of difficulties in paying a €14,000 energy bill, is now looking for more support from the community to ensure its survival.

The grant will go towards improvements in energy use and efficiency in order to cut day-to-day running costs at the centre.

Ballybunion is in the constituency of Arts and Heritage Minister Jimmy Deenihan, who was involved in a lengthy campaign to provide the centre. He said he hoped the grant would help significantly reduce running costs.

Mr Deenihan said one of the main reasons for the centre being approved for grant aid initially was that support was promised from the community and schools.

“The pool is a wonderful facility for young and old alike and, in order for it to be a success, it needs the support of the local community. I hope that the Ballybunion community will really get the most out of the pool and leisure centre,” he said.

The centre was closed for 11 weeks after power was cut off following non-payment of an electricity bill. It was reopened in early July following payment of the bill.

The ESB agreed to reconnect a power supply until Sept 30 on foot of a guarantee from Kerry County Council that it would meet the charge in the event of non-payment.

The centre also applied to the Department of Transport and Tourism for a grant for a heat and power plant to considerably reduce energy costs.

The community-based company running the centre also raised €40,000, with help from local businesses, to pay the energy bill, the Revenue Commissioners and insurance costs.

The company, which employs 22 people, said it had increased income and membership. However, a huge rise in oil costs — from €35,000 in 2009 to €60,000 in 2011 — contributed to the difficulties.

Centre manager Padraig Hanrahan said the facility was “very viable” once energy costs were kept under control.

The weather-independent centre, which has already received €3.8m in state funding, is seen as an essential element of Ballybunion’s tourism industry.