Talks take place to ward off eviction of Limerick city club
TALKS have taken place in an effort to ensure a Limerick city kickboxing club can remain in the premises it’s operated for a decade.
Limerick Combat Gym holds training sessions in Our Lady Queen of Peace in Roxboro on the city’s southside three times a week.
The building is owned by the parish and last month the club received communication from Parish Priest Fr Daniel Tomasik and Fr Tom Mangan, requesting they vacate the hall.
On foot of this, talks took place between the priests and local councillor Catherine Slattery.
The Fianna Fail member said they will now meet with the local authority to explore the possibility of the council taking it over. A number of other organisations have also expressed an interest in long-term leasing of the hall.
It comes after the original letter, which gave the Combat Gym of a deadline of March 1 to leave, stated the parish can no longer sustain the running costs of the hall, which is located beside Roxboro garda station.
Councillor Slattery said the parish has agreed to revoke the eviction notice, and it’s hoped that any new operator will allow the kickboxing club, which helps children from across the city, to continue.
“Unfortunately, the parish cannot sustain it any longer. We all knew this was coming – a lot of refurbishment does need to go into the centre. The diocese and Fr Daniel [Tomasik] are in talks regarding long-term leasing of the community centre,” she confirmed, “It’s fantastic news all around, and whoever leases this building will hopefully agree to link in with the Combat Gym to continue their good work in the community.”
She said she hopes other community groups will be able to take advantage of the facility along with the Combat Gym.
“It’s a win-win for everyone, and I’m delighted with the news,” Cllr Slattery added.