Indoor children's play centres in crisis as doors remain closed

WESTPORT is buzzing this weekend but the popular Wild West play centre in the town has its 'Closed' signs up due to government restrictions.

The decision to keep children's play centres closed has brought the sector into crisis, says Tommy Gill, CEO of Play Activity Leisure Ireland, who, with Tish Gill, is owner of The Wild West.

And despite having their 'Closed' signs well displayed, they are getting a lot of calls this week asking if they are open, from locals and tourists looking for something for their children to do in Westport.

Explained Tommy about the situation nationally: “Many centres do not have the finance to stay alive, despite government supports. “It's difficult to manage debt when your business is closed for nearly 17 months.

“Over 54% of our members landlords are demanding full rent arrears, increasing the current rent, and even giving notices to terminate the rental agreement. We also have some very understanding landlords, but there are significant debts warehoused.

“Without an opening date and financial support some businesses will not be viable, and will close with the loss of jobs and, more importantly, the loss of family recreation centres.”

He continued: “These facilities will be so important to get children back to some kind of 'normality' playing together, socialising, birthday parties and play dates.

“Insurance is not a switch on, switch off policy and most members have paid full premiums even though they are closed.

“It's great to see indoor dining and pubs reopen, but this forces children into the pub rather than to a bowling alley or play centre.

“Many business sectors have received specific supports, and most of them have now reopened. Our members need that support now to survive.”

Play Activity Leisure Ireland has a nationwide membership of family recreation centres, employing over 3,000 staff, and welcoming over 200,000 family members a week in the summer during normal times.