Pool’s closure angers members

Concerned, paid-up members of a swimming pool complex, closed all this week, have been backed by senior managers of Kerry County Council in demanding an explanation from the centre’s management.

Members were surprised on Monday to discover the doors of Ballybunion Health and Leisure centre locked, with a sign saying it was closed due to a power failure.

Marie Delaney, who paid her €350 annual membership subscription last summer, said she was shocked when told by a friend the centre had closed.

She said she was disappointed and angry. “If it doesn’t open again, I’d like my money back. I’d like to know what’s going on and I know other people would also like an answer. I’d like a letter of explanation about its closure,” she said.

Other members and regular users of the €5m centre also criticised the centre’s management for not offering an explanation.

The centre received a €3.8m grant from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism on condition that Kerry County Council would pay back the money, or take over the centre, if it failed within 15 years.

Senior council management were yesterday trying to contact representatives of Bevely Ltd, the community-based company which runs the centre.