Bailieborough Leisure Centre secures Government funding

Last month it was reported that the local pool was just weeks away from being drained and the plug pulled, a far cry from 12 months previous when members and management celebrated the facility's 20th anniversary.

Bailieborough Swimming and Leisure Centre is a step closer to reopening after securing approval for Government funding

Fine Gael Senator Joe O’Reilly today confirmed that the Board of Management of the centre had been successful in its application to the Department of Rural and Community Development for funding through the Covid-19 Stability fund.

The news comes as a major boost to the east Cavan Town as it brings the popular local centre a step closer to re-opening to the public.

While the exact level of funding will be confirmed at a later date, it is expected to be in the region of €100,000, and administered through Pobal.

Last month it was reported that the local pool was just weeks away from being drained and the plug pulled, a far cry from 12 months previous when members and management celebrated the facility's 20th anniversary.

The centre has approximately 350 subscribed members from across Cavan, Monaghan and Meath, which pay one, three, six-month, annual or five-year memberships. Up until lockdown, the centre had been a busy and viable operation.

But Covid restrictions meant that no more than 10 people could use the gym, and no more than 20 use the pool, at any one time.

The restrictions have pushed the centre to the pin of its collar and, with the doors still closed, costs are mounting.

In order to ensure the continued safety of the water, the pool's HVAC system must still run, which along with air handling units, cost approximately €4-5,000 per month to operate.

Furthermore, the centre must maintain property damage insurance (€929pm). Those same insurance costs have multiplied by two-and-a-half times what they were in previous years as a result of the main historic insurer exiting the marketplace.

It brings the total monthly loss, without any intake, at between €5,500-6,000 per month.

The centre had, at the end of 2019, funds of close to €85,000 in its coffers.

Operating on a non-profit model, the centre does not receive government subsidies like most other local authority operated facilities.

In 2019, the Centre has employed 31 members of staff on a full time and part time basis and is voluntarily overseen by a Board of Management.

In conjunction with community organisations such as Rehab Care, Kingsourt Youthreach, Cavan Sports Partnership and Baileborough Mental Health Association the centre runs many activities for the benefit of the community as a whole.

In welcoming the news, Senator O’Reilly praised the work of the board of the centre and thanked his party colleague, Minister Heather Humphreys, for her assistance.

“This has been a difficult few months for the staff of Bailieborough Swimming and Leisure Centre, particularly in light of the impact of Covid-19,” said Sen O'Reilly.

“The board and I recently met Minister Heather Humphreys to see what supports were available under her Department of Rural and Community Development.

“Following that meeting, the board put a lot of work into submitting an application under the Covid-19 Stability fund.

“I’m delighted to confirm that this application has been successful and that funding will be provided to assist the centre to re-open safely,” he added.

Commending the board on their efforts and thanking Minister Humphreys again

for her “important advice” prior to the board submitting their application, Sen O'Reilly said the funding will be “vital” in ensuring the future of the centre is secured.

“I have been involved in the centre since its establishment over 20 years ago and I know how important it is to Bailieborough.

“The board itself is made up of volunteers who care deeply about protecting the future of the centre,” said Sen O'Reilly.

“This funding, which will be administered by Pobal, will go a long way to ensuring the centre can re-open, which will be such welcome news to the public.

“Now, more than ever, we need to support local amenities such as leisure centres, which provide a vital outlet in terms of people’s exercise and mental health.”