The owner of a children’s activity centre has called on the Government to clamp down on parents of children who make fraudulent claims.
Stephen Durkin, who runs Funny Bones in Collooney, Co Sligo, was forced to shut part of his business this week.
He said: “We have had to close the climbing wall and high ropes section because of insurance costs, despite having had no claims against us in the last five years.
“I’m not sure how the existing business will cope as a lot of families would come because the teenagers could use the ropes while the smaller children could go into the soft play centre. It really did cater for all ages.
“The climbing wall was also very beneficial to those with special needs.”
Stephen – who has witnessed his insurance costs rocket from €9,000 to €45,000 in the past three years – believes the industry needs to see drastic change.
He added: “If we win a claim, we still have to pay costs. The plaintiffs don’t have to so there is no risk for them to bring a case.
“I’d love to see the Personal Injuries Assessment Board also taking more action against people who make false statements to them.”
Funny Bones was only saved from closing its entire operation through the intervention of a collective group – Play Activity and Leisure Ireland – who managed to secure insurance for the soft play area only at a premium of €11,500.
Linda Murray, who leads PALI, said: “I’m delighted we could help Stephen but there shouldn’t be a need for what we are doing if people could get affordable cover.
“Stephen, who has no claims against him, had to close a nice, active and healthy area because of insurance.
"I’ve people ringing me every day – some I can help and others I can’t.”
