Shock as Liffey Valley fitness centre closes its doors

By Maurice Garvey

THE sudden closure of Liffey Valley Fitness Centre on Monday has come as a shock to both customers and staff – who cited a lack of communication from owners regarding plans for the site.

Cavvies Ltd owners, Vincent and Jackie Cosgrave, submitted a planning application with South Dublin County Council on July 14, to convert the leisure centre into a residential development comprising 27 apartments.

Gym customers say this was the first they heard of the plans for the fitness centre, which first opened in 2004.

The Cosgraves operate a number of businesses in the community, including the Sheldon Park Hotel, Clondalkin Towers Hotel and Oakfield Lodge Hotel.

Sinn Féin Councillor Mark Ward, a member of the Liffey Valley Fitness Centre for seven years, blasted the “lack of communication.”

Cllr Ward said: “There was no notification between gym and customers. I’m lucky my subscription was up at the end of the month, but I’m worried that a lot of people will be out of pocket. One lad I know has 10 months left on his subscription, worth €300.

“The gym has been there a long time, it’s an iconic building and a valuable resource to the community. They have good staff, about 12 of them, but they only got two week’s notice. You also have a barber’s attached to the side, a hairdresser’s in the gym, and fitness contractors who work at the gym, all effected by this.”

A Liffey Valley Fitness Centre member, said the gym have offered to transfer his membership to the Sheldon Park Hotel, or refund his money.

“The place had become run down over the years. They never did any advertising to promote the place, but I liked it and it suited my needs.

“Nobody got any notice and now suddenly people will lose a valuable community outlet and staff lose jobs. Over the weekend, staff told me they were not allowed to send out a bulk text to customers. To be a member for 10 years, and to shut the doors without any warning is bad form.”

Vincent Cosgrave did not reply to The Echo at the time of going to print.