One of Co Wexford's key tourist and sporting amenities is facing closure because of a lack of funding.
Oaklands Lake in New Ross is set to close next month unless money is sourced to fund the building of on-site toilets at the amenity, which attracts upwards of 2,500 local and European anglers annually.
Planning permission was granted three years ago for the construction of a wheelchair-accessible toilet block at the lake. However, continued appeals for funding by New Ross Coarse Angling Club have failed to secure any funds for the necessary works.
The club is now set to close the fully-stocked lake on July 27th because it is unable to obtain either a health and safety statement or insurance cover without proper toilet facilities.
"The provision of public toilets is a fundamental requirement. Our insurance company wanted to withdraw cover right away but they gave us until July 27th because we have already got anglers booked in," said the club secretary, Mr Michael Browne.
News of the closure of the amenity, which operates on a voluntary and non-profit-making basis, comes just a week after the launch of a new website, tourism brochure and DVD aimed at promoting New Ross among visitors.
"This closure will come in the middle of the tourist season when we are trying to promote New Ross. Tourists will find the lake closed for a lack of political vision," said Mr Browne.