Local business forced to close due to crippling insurance costs

Bike Park Ireland, based in Roscrea, has been forced to close its popular business this week due to spiralling insurance costs.

The facility should be celebrating its 5th birthday this week but instead, they have announced they will close this weekend May 17-19.

"It comes with an enormous amount of disappointment and frustration that we must close all of our trails until sometime next week, effective immediately," a statement read.

"This is due to the national insurance crisis that is affecting most, if not all, activity based businesses this year. Unfortunately, we are no exception."

The news comes a matter of weeks after Cosmic Bowl in Tullamore was forced to close for a short period of time for similar reasons until they found cover with a European underwriter.

A spokesperson for Bike Park Ireland continued: "We have been working day and night to find a solution and we will continue to do so until we have it, but as it stands and through no fault of our own we are the latest victims of the ridiculous insurance crisis."

"We are sincerely sorry for any inconvenience caused and we just hope that you have patience with us and continue to support us when we reopen, which we hope will be very soon."

"Usually, we are asking you to like and share our posts for some fun or a competition, but sadly on this occasion, it is because we want all of our valued customers and friends to know so they can avoid a wasted journey."

They asked people to keep an eye on their webpage and Facebook page for updates. All bookings made for this weekend will be fully refunded.