Ballyloughran Centre Being Closed?
The Irish Times reported that the retreat centre at Ballyloughran will be closed due to funding difficulties.
"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."
Update:
I just realised that this is "old news" - the newspaper article is from th 14th of October, a few days before we actually had our Church camp there. Did anybody know that at that time?
See also a statement from Limerick Youth Service on their blog.
Yes Matthias, we heard shortly after our weekend away but the official letter didn’t come around until about a week before the closing date!
Comment by Philip Pain — Wed, 23. December 2009 @ 23:31