Yesterday evening it was revealed that Dundrum Golf and Leisure Resort in Tipperary would cease trading with immediate effect, meaning that the golf course, driving range, club shop, bar, restaurant and leisure centre will close.
Resort owners, Brogan Capital Ventures, informed the 48 employees at the resort of the closure and released a statement saying that financial difficulties had forced their hand in the decision.
“The company very much regrets the adverse impact of this decision on its valued employees, golf and leisure centre members, customers, suppliers, the local community and other stakeholders,” a spokesperson for Brogan Capital Ventures said.
“However, it is unavoidable given the state of the company’s financial affairs.”
The announcement came as a shock to the local community, however, the IPAS Centre, which is run by a third party on the Dundrum House campus, will continue to operate.
“The sudden closure of Dundrum House has left staff, the local community, and a historic site in crisis. This closure is the direct result of a failure in oversight and accountability surrounding a State contract awarded to a company with unknown beneficial owners,” said Tipperary Councillor Liam Browne in a statement.
“Earlier this year, Brogan Capital Ventures, the company that owned Dundrum House, leased its accommodation blocks to a Spanish-based company called Utmasta. In April, the Government awarded Utmasta a contract to accommodate up to 280 IPAS residents. Utmasta was then expected to pay Brogan Capital Ventures for the lease.
“However, Utmasta has failed to make those payments. Brogan Capital Ventures subsequently went into liquidation, leaving liquidators with no income and mounting costs, including a significantly increased insurance bill. With no funds to cover these expenses, the liquidators were legally obliged to close Dundrum House.
“This is not just a business issue—it’s a community issue. 48 Jobs have been lost, many in families with multiple incomes from Dundrum House. Vital facilities like the golf course and leisure centre are closed, and a historic site is now in jeopardy. The Government must immediately investigate why a company with unknown beneficial owners was given a State contract, confirm whether public funds were paid, and take urgent steps to protect jobs and services in Dundrum.”
Brogan Capital Ventures plan to meet with the 48 employees and will “enter into a 30 day collective redundancy consultation process with its staff later this week,” the spokesperson added.
