New operator for €16m Killarney leisure centre

A NEW company has been engaged to run a public sports complex in Killarney that was at risk of closing after a management company pulled out a few months ago.

Killarney Town Council has confirmed the appointment of SP Sports Management Ltd to operate the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre, from February 1.

Town clerk Michael O’Leary said the appointment, for a six-year period, would secure the €16 million centre’s future on a long-term basis.

Aura Sport and Leisure Management Ltd had been running the town council-owned centre but withdrew last September. Announcing its shock decision, Aura cited difficult trading conditions; the council’s refusal to underwrite projected losses; and competition from Killarney hotels with similar indoor facilities. Losses were estimated to be in the region of €300,000, mainly arising from the operation of a 25-metre swimming pool. The centre, which also has a large sports hall and gym, opened in July 2008.

In October, a subsidiary of Killarney Town Council took over the operation of the facility, contracting management and staffing from Aura while the tendering process for a new management company was being carried out.

Mr O’Leary said SP Sports Management Ltd was selected, following a competitive tendering process. “They are a fully-owned Irish company and have an excellent track record of operating other facilities, including local authority-owned facilities.” Mr O’Leary appealed to the public to support the centre which he described as top class, with state-of-the-art wet and dry facilities. “We need the people of Killarney to get behind it and ensure that it continues to be successful.

“The message that needs to go out is that Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre is here to stay.” More than 20 people are employed in the centre which is located on the Killarney bypass. SP Sports Management employs 230 people and operates six other public leisure centres, in Wicklow, Arklow, Courtown, Monaghan, Askeaton and Cobh, as well as owning and operating a private leisure centre in Dublin.