A POPULAR outdoor activity and retreat centre near Ballybunion in Co Kerry that is owned and run by Limerick Youth Service is to close with the loss of 29 jobs.
Over the past decade Ballyloughran Centre had developed a calendar of school activity days, offering archery, swimming, basketball, tennis, canoeing, pitch and putt, orienteering and other activities.
“Recent financial difficulties” are being blamed for the expected closure of the centre. Set in 11 acres of grounds, Ballyloughran was established by the late Sr Joan Bowles as a safe haven for disadvantaged families, and as a retreat centre.
With accommodation for more than 50 people, the centre had also been used for short holiday breaks and small conferences.
Limerick Youth Centre said it had examined a number of options in an attempt to secure its future.
“Regrettably, given the financial losses incurred on a sustained basis, it has been decided to close the centre. The date of closure has yet to be finalised. In implementing this difficult decision, management, in discharging its statutory obligations, have contacted employee representatives with a view to entering into collective consultation over the coming weeks on how best to wind down operations.
“This decision was not taken lightly and Limerick Youth Service empathise with the collective disappointment of staff, users of the Ballyloughran facilities and the wider community,” the statement continued.
Unfortunately, due to the unprecedented financial pressures experienced in the recent past, the decision could not be averted and it was hoped that an orderly wind-down of operations could be achieved. It hoped to resume the centre “in a more favourable economic climate”.
Locals have reacted with shock to the announcement. Local Sinn Féin councillor Robert Beasley said the news had been unexpected and was “a huge blow”.
The centre, which had 17 full-time and 12 part-time jobs, was worth an estimated €300,000 to the local economy in the extreme northwest of Kerry.
Mr Beasley appealed to Kerry TDs and Senators to try to secure Government funding for the centre.