‘Lifeline’ for Bailieboro pool

MYSTERY Donor first read about plight of leisure centre in local newspaper

A mystery benefactor and the timely arrival of €100,000 in Government funding are expected to be enough to keep the financially-stricken Bailieborough Swimming and Leisure Centre afloat.

“It’s a lifeline certainly,” chair of the local pool’s Board of Management, Paul McFadden, told The Anglo-Celt last week.

He breathes an audible sigh of relief: “It’s given us the wherewithal to stay open, to sort of cover the losses, and now begin the work of getting the centre back open and hopefully start standing on our own two feet again. But that will take time.”

Fine Gael Senator Joe O’Reilly confirmed last week that the centre had been successful in its application to the Department of Rural and Community Development for funding through the COVID-19 Stability Fund.

But it’s the “donation” by a mystery backer that has set chins wagging across the east Cavan town.

Mr McFadden is remaining tight lipped, saying the Cavan-based philanthropist wishes to remain “anonymous” and declined to reveal the amount of the contribution except to say it’s “substantial”.

The involvement of the shy altruist came only after they were satisfied the centre could continue as a going concern in normal circumstances.

Mr McFadden wished to place on the record the centre and community’s gratitude at the gesture and also for the government support.

He praised the impact of an earlier article published in this newspaper.

“It was a number of months back we we’re approached, after the article in The Anglo-Celt, by this private individual, who wishes to remain anonymous. Myself and other members of the board met them and over a number of meeting they went through our figures, they went through our projections and eventually decided they’d like to help with funding to get the pool reopen.”

Last month it was reported the local pool was just weeks away from having the plug pulled.

It was a far cry from the celebratory mood 12 months previous when members and management commemorated the facility’s 20th anniversary.

But Covid restrictions pushed the centre to the pin of its collar and, with the doors closed and no money coming in, costs of up to €6,000 per month continued to mount and eat into reserves.

The centre, which employed 31 staff, had operated on a not-for-profit model and did not receive any government subsidies. At the end of last year, it had close to €85,000 in its coffers. Those are now significantly depleted.

Senator O’Reilly praised the work of the board of the centre and thanked his party colleague, Minister Heather Humphreys, for her assistance in securing government funding.

“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.

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

The matter was also raised recently at a meeting of Cavan County Council, where elected members pleaded with the local authority to intervene.

The Council provided support of €7,000 this year through discretionary grants.

Cavan Council Cathaoirleach, Aontú’s Sarah O’Reilly, also welcomed the pool funding.

She added that the financial interventions secured to date, which also include the Re-Start Plus grant scheme and a grant from the Community Enhancement Programme will “make a good start” in helping get the centre operational again.

“It would be unconscionable to me and the entire community to lose this important facility. We are all very proud of Bailieborough Leisure Centre, the BOM and the staff and their achievements so far, we know it is in good hands and its future will be secure for many years to come.”

Local TD Niamh Smyth also welcomed the allocation. “I was delighted to support the board on these matters in recent months and ensure the Department reversed its original decision.

“I want to commend the Board of Management on their work which has secured this amenity for East Cavan. It’s a big day for the members and all those people who contacted me and my offices expressing concern about the loss of this wonderful facility in our town and the impact of same,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.

She committed to working to assist the board with a further application under the Swimming Pool Covid-19 Fund to ensure this facility can reopen and “remain a viable, well supported facility going into the future for generations to come.”