Visitors flock to say goodbye and thanks as Rathbeggan Lakes closes its gates for the last time

Rathbeggan Lakes closed its gates for the last time today with owner Dave Robinson making good on his word this season at the popular family fun and adventure park would be his last as a result of excessive insurance premiums.

An emotional Mr Robinson posted a video this morning ahead of opening the park for the last time and said that while he was sad, his overriding emotion was one of anger that nothing was being done to address the crisis facing small leisure and activity centred businesses.

"This is our very last Sunday. And it's the last day of Rathbeggan Lakes Family Adventure Park. So we're just getting ready to welcome whoever turns up here on the last day. And obviously, we hope it's a safe and happy day.

"People have asked me am I my emotional, I am yes, I'm going to miss the customers. I'm going to miss the fun we've had, I'm going to miss the youngsters that we've trained and all the work we've done. But my main emotion is, I'm cross, I'm angry.

"The Government have done nothing about the insurance crisis. And you and your kids are going to have very few places like this left next year, unless something happens this winter. We've got to fix the national insurance crisis. Anyway, we've had fun. I hope you continue to do so."

Rathbeggan Lakes, close to Dunshaughlin, offered lake fishing, children's activities such as zip lines, pedal boating and bouncy castles over its 22-acre site and each year welcomed thousands of families for picnics, barbeques and fun days out.

Proprietor Dave Robinson (59), has operated the site since 1998 and says the business model is broken for this type of enterprise and has warned that other businesses offering leisure activities for kids and families in the Boyne Valley region and beyond are facing the same threat.

 

Farewell..Dave spent the weekend on site meeting wellwishers and customers.

The Facebook page of Rathbeggan Lakes was swamped with comments from wellwishers and parents of young children who had spent many enjoyable hours at the activity and adventure centre.

Rory O'Connor wrote: "I’m absolutely disgusted, whoever is responsible should hang their head in shame. After all your hard work and effort, so sorry Dave and Mary. We have all lost a fantastic facility . Gone forever, ’m feeling sick.

"

Another customer, David Walsh, said: "I feel angry that an adventure business providing much needed activities and happiness for families has to close because of insurance. Very soon all the family play centres, adventure parks, pet farms, canoeing, climbing will be a thing of the past. Three things must change: the law regarding “at your own risk” activities, our claims culture and the underwriters refusal to quote or provide insurance. Very sad day, another one gone." 

One father said the Lakes and parkland was a safe environment for his son to play and enjoy. Mark O Flaherty posed: "Thanks Dave for your amazing support to the hospitality industry. Such a sad day. My son benefited hugely as a young chap from Rathbeggan Lakes. Gave him a great spot to spend his spare time instead of wasting time on the streets. Such a shame our politicians can’t see or support places where the youth can spend quality time enjoying outdoor activities."

"Anyway, we've had fun. I hope you continue to do so." Dave Robinson, today.

Mr Robinson revealed the shock decision to close earlier this year with spiralling insurance costs behind the move. 

He believes the Government has failed to act quickly enough to come up with any practical resolution for businesses in crisis across the country, and called on the public to get behind his campaign to bow out of business with more social media likes than political party, Fine Gael! He achieved his goal within hours of posting the request.

Announcing his decision to the Meath Chronicle back in May, Mr Robsinson said the stress of putting insurance in place for this season was too much and at a staggering  €40,000 didn't even cover everything.
“It was an incredibly difficult decision to come to but once it was made, the weight was lifted off my shoulders. Looking at what is now the last 16-17 weeks of the business, I can say I won't have to worry about this anymore and that is a huge relief.

“I know I can maintain the place and the staff right up until the end of the summer and we're going to honour all our school tour bookings, charity days including one we have coming up for the children's hospital so make sure you come down and see us before we go.”

Speaking last week, he said: "We and many others began to realise that the Irish leisure industry was facing an insurance crisis very early on this year. We started to bring it to the attention of our leaders but despite all the news of business closures nothing prompt, realistic or practical has been achieved!"

Last stop...Dave with the train ride he only put into the park last year.

In a final dig at the Government, Mr Robinson, who has been a member of Fine Gael, urged supporters to help Rathbeggan Lakes overtake the amount of Facebook followers of Fine Gael.

"Currently Fine Gael have 37,265 Facebook friends. Rathbeggan Lakes has 35,906. Can we close our business, happy to know that we have more Facebook Friends than the government party? Go on. Let’s give it a go! “Like” us, on behalf of all the small businesses throughout the country facing closure due to insurance and see if we can help make a difference! Share this and ask your mates to “like” Rathbeggan Lakes Family Adventure Park!" 

By 6pm on Sunday, the Rathbeggan Lakes page had over 44,000 followers.

Time to go...the gates closed at 6pm this evening.