Speaking at a recent Internal Scrutiny Committee at Armagh City and District Council, Cllr Haughey said, “There is a full range of memberships and prices available for gym facilities across this district. However a number of young people have contacted me complaining that there is no option for paying membership on a monthly basis by cash. The young people who contacted me are all Gaelic Footballers who wish to use the gym along with their clubs training regime. There are two main reasons they want to pay for membership by cash on a monthly basis – the first being that so many people are unsecure in their employment and to sign up for 3 months, 6 months of an annual membership is just too much of a commitment. People who are out of work, or in unsecure work want to avail of gym membership but would prefer to pay one month at a time. I think Armagh Council needs to respond to the difficult economic climate we all find ourselves in and provide the option of one month memberships by cash.
“The second reason in favour of the one month cash membership, is to respond to the training needs of sportspeople within our district. The Gaelic footballers who contacted me, can commit to one month membership right now but that will change as their club and county training regime increases, so they may want the option of opting out for a month of two from the gym. If we are serious about attracting local sportspeople, from across all sports, into the council gyms then we must listen to what they are telling us.
“I call on Armagh City and District Council to introduce a monthly cash membership for all gyms across the district. I believe this will encourage more people to use of facilities but will also take the pressure off those who want to keep fit but aren’t financially secure at this difficult time.”
Council Chief John Briggs agreed to discuss this with the Leisure and Recreation Department to take on board Cllr Haughey’s suggestion.
ENDS