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‘Invaluable service’ to be left as it is

Thursday, 23 February 2012

The Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, Ballymoney has incurred costs of over £2m in the past three years.

DESPITE a hefty running bill, calls have been made to leave Ballymoney leisure centre as it is - available to everyone.
Figures show that between 2008 and 2011 the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre was faced with costs of £2,135,340. This compares to Coleraine leisure centre which recorded costs of £2,044,682 and Limavady Roe Valley with costs of £2,637,808.
Members of the community have been quick to defend the town's only leisure amenity and have rejected calls by the Department of the Environment for privatisation.
Speaking to the Chronicle, one member of the public said: "I took my two children to Lisburn swimming pool recently - which is privately run - and paid £20.86 for two children and two adults for a 45 minute swim. This compares to a family swim at the JDLC for £10 which is unlimited.
“I don't agree with calls for privatisation, because it will increase prices. Ballymoney leisure centre is an invaluable service, which is available to everyone and should be left as it is."
Paul Lynas, head of leisure services at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre said the costs incurred are budgeted for when council sets its yearly rate.
“These costs are known and agreed by council representatives in advance of a rate being struck. They must be viewed in light of the fact the leisure centre is a seven day operation, with an outdoor synthetic pitch, an all-weather pitch plus the lighting of these and staffing costs. There are also central costs such as HR costs which the leisure centre must meet."
Mr Lynas added: "Prices at the leisure centre were not increased by council last year to avoid transferring costs to members of the public.
“These costs are agreed subsidies. We have certain income and expenditure targets. The fact is that the leisure centre runs and subsidises recreational facilities.
“Leisure centre services are not there to make profit. If we charged full cost for a swim to cover light, heating, electricity, staff costs and cleaning chemicals - no one in the community would be able to afford it."
Mayor Ian Stevenson commented: "Ballymoney benefits from the fact that we have one leisure centre which is relatively central as opposed to other council areas with several to maintain.
“Council is here to provide the best service that we possibly can. We have recently agreed a new rate where we have looked at all services.
“I am convinced we have the best service, the best rate, at the best price.
“Council has invested in the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre to make it the excellent facility it is today.
“We don't wish to add cost to ratepayers if at all possible. The leisure centre is a vital service for the health and well-being of the community."

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