Council sinks a further €40k into troubled Ballybunion pool complex

A local authority is to continue supporting a swimming pool complex in a well-known seaside resort, this year.

Kerry County Council is to provide €40,000 to the Ballybunion Health and Leisure Centre, which ran into difficulties two years ago.

The money is included in the local authority’s 2014 budget under the heading of tourism development and promotion.

“This is in recognition of the importance of this facility in supporting Ballybunion and its business community,’’ said county manager Tom Curran.

However, the payment is conditional on the pool being run in line with a business plan submitted to the council.

The centre was closed for 11 weeks in 2012 after its electricity was cut off due to an outstanding €14,000 bill, with management attributing the problem to rising energy costs.

But the local community came to the aid of the facility, raising enough money for the centre to pay the electricity bill and reopen.

The Department of Sport approved an application for the installation of a heat and power plant on the site, which would substantially reduce energy costs, on the county council agreeing to guarantee the centre remained open for 10 years.

The all-weather centre, run by a community development company, Bevely Ltd, is seen as an essential element of Ballybunion’s tourism infrastructure.

The €5m facility was opened in 2007.