It is understood around 50 people are employed at the Limerick business which closed for the last time on December 23. It was officially opened in May 2023 by a host of world rugby stars.
In a statement the IRE said it was “profoundly disappointing” that it had to cease operations.
“From the outset, our goal was to help support Limerick city by gifting the building to the people of Limerick. Unfortunately, this has not been realised,” said the statement.
The JP McManus Benevolent Fund intended to gift the tourist attraction to the State, however, its negotiations with Limerick City and County Council on the matter could not be progressed, said the IRE.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every team member who worked tirelessly on growing all aspects of the business, and to the tens of thousands of visitors who walked through its doors,” it said.
It also thanked retired Ireland rugby stars Paul O’Connell and Keith Wood for “their dedication to the project”, along with local traders and organisations who were supportive of the venture.
The IRE added: “We have brought over 60,000 people to Limerick City since opening in May 2023, including overseas visitors from 31 countries. Also, over 7,000 people came to visit Santa’s Secret Workshop, significantly adding to the ‘Christmas in Limerick’ atmosphere and frequenting local cafes, shops and restaurants during their visit.”
News in 90 Seconds – December 26 2024
The attraction has over the past 18 months contributed €9 million to the local economy, working with 200 local and regional suppliers, craft producers, photographers, printers and more.
In October Limerick City and County Council said: “We want to assure the public that every effort was made to secure the proposed transfer of the IRE into Discover Limerick DAC, the council-owned tourism company.
“Following extensive due diligence, a detailed briefing was provided to the councillors of Limerick City and County Council, as recently as this week, to discuss the proposed transition. All possible avenues were explored including a report from an independent tourism expert consultant.
“Despite our best efforts, we were unable to secure a viable path forward as substantial operational and capital funding would be required from the Council into the future.”
Fianna Fáil councillor Bridie Collins told the Irish Independent, she was “disappointed” by the closure of a “valuable building right in the heart of Limerick city”.
The announcement of the closure of the IRE came the day after councillors were briefed by the independent consultant. Ms Collins said after the briefing it was felt that councillors were not yet ready to make a decision and more time was needed to study the figures.
“My heart goes out to those facing redundancies at this time of year. It’s horrible to see a venture like this close down,” she added.
The building remains in the ownership of horse racing mogul JP McManus who owns a string of other properties including the five-star Adare Manor hotel and spa resort which is to host the Ryder Cup golf tournament in 2027.
