By: Louise Walsh
Ireland's national ecology centre is to close to the public tomorrow (Friday) because of spiralling insurance costs.
Sonairte in Laytown, Co. Meath has to shut its doors to the public, after almost 30 years of promoting ecological awareness and sustainable living over its 10 acre site.
The interactive visitor centre attracted hundreds of families each year to visit its walled organic gardens, nature trails, bee museum and information centre.
It's understood that claims has pushed its insurance costs up from less than €10,000 to almost €30,000 this year.
On its Facebook page, Sonairte states: 'For the avoidance of any doubt, Sonairte 'in its entirety' will be closed to the public from 5pm this Friday, 25th August.
'This includes all tenants,who after 5pm on Friday will no longer have access to the centre.
'After this point, the centre will be solely private property and trespassers will be prosecuted. We appreciate the public's support at this difficult time.'
It was hoped that the centre would re-open briefly on Sunday for heritage but this has been cancelled earlier today.
Sonairte was established in 1988 by members of the local community and concerned environmentalists to provide education on all aspects of ecolo
Although closing to the public, it's understood that the gardens will still operate and its produce sold at markets.
It's believed the board are hoping to reopen the centre at some point in the future
