Gyms across the country have seen huge numbers of cancellations from unvaccinated customers following changes in Covid-19 restrictions.
New rules introduced this week require gym goers to provide proof of vaccination to use the facilities. This also applies to swimming pools and hotel leisure centre.
Speaking to Claire Byrne on RTE radio this morning, Ireland Active chief executive officer Karl Dunne said that gyms are suffering financial losses due to the new restrictions.
"One facility got over a hundred cancellations in one day. Another facility reported to us that 75 people between Tuesday and Thursday (had cancelled their membership)": he said.
"They are saying they are not prepared to get vaccinated, but they are also saying if they can't go in and use the facility they are not prepared to pay. They are claiming it is unfair that they are not allowed to use the facility, but unfortunately the Government restrictions state that you need a Covid cert to enter a gym."
Claire Byrne asked whether Mr Dunne is happy with the financial support the Government is offering gyms.
"We're actually delighted to see that the EWSS will continue at November rates into January. We do feel though that this needs to be extended well into 2022.
"Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres only reopened in June so they were closed for six months of the year and then for the other six months they have had to work at reduced capacity so a lot of our members haven't recovered revenue streams that were pre-pandemic. They are down roughly 40-50% depending on where they are in the country": Mr Dunne explained.
"Obviously the city centre gyms are suffering more than the suburb ones."
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