A double blow to the community

IT was a case of disappointment all round at the news of the demise of the Boeing New Year’s day swim, and two prominent local representatives commented to The Corkman.

“This is really disappointing for the community of Millstreet. Generations of community activists have worked tirelessly to make the Christmas Swim part and parcel of what Christmas in Millstreet is,” said Fianna Fáil TD Michael Moynihan.

“There is a very worrying trend emerging where charity events such as swims, walks, runs, parades and festivals are struggling to secure public insurance. Last year, the muchloved Newmarket Christmas Swim was cancelled due to increasing insurance premiums.

“With 70 per cent of personal injury claims settled behind closed doors and out of sight, we have no clear picture of what is driving high premiums. The claims database to address this issue has been delayed by well over a year.

“The Government have also has failed to establish an index that would track public liability insurance over time. There is a genuine fear that premiums have hiked for businesses, sports clubs and charities alike because of the focus on motor insurance.

“This cannot be allowed to continue. These events are central to what community life in Ireland is about, and it would be a crying shame if the volunteer element is lost. Community is fundamentally about people working together for the betterment of everyone’s lives.”

Local Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea also said he was very disappointed to hear that the charity swim was cancelled because of insurance costs. “These events, both in Millstreet and Newmarket, were not only a great event to raise money for charity; it was also a great community event where local people who may just be home for Christmas meet up,” he said. “There is a long tradition of this in Duhallow, and it is a pity if this tradition is let die over insurance costs”.