A LEADING Irish cinema operator has questioned the need for a third cinema complex in Limerick, claiming that the population is not there to lend support.
Two years ago, Cork businessman Tommy O’Connor, owner of two cinemas by Leeside, first floated the idea of a 10 screen multiplex at the Ennis Road Retail Park, but received no encouragement from the city council planning authority.
Now, the planners have had a change of mind and have given the nod for seven screens there-but not to Mr O’Connor, who, this week, told the Limerick Post that he was looking at the options now available to him.
“I was told by the planners that there was no way I would be granted permission for the Ennis Road site. I had all my homework done, and would have been up and running by Christmas.
“I was further told that I would only be entertained if I considered a city centre location.
‘Now they turn around and give the go-ahead without entering into any consultation with me. Of course I am angry…and puzzled”.
At the time, the authorities confirmed to the Limerick Post that permission would not be granted for cinemas at the Ennis Road Retail Park, as the city centre was top priority
Now that planning has been granted at the Retail Park, it remains to be seen if an operator is put in place.
When contacted by this newspaper, one of the main players in the industry said it was unlikely they would be interested in the Ennis Road site.
A second said they were not interested.
“The Omniplex and Storm Cinemas have 20 screens between them, and it is our view that to add any more screens would make all three units financially unviable.
“It could lead to an overall reduction in services, for example, late afternoon and evening screenings only, as audiences would be split further”.
This summer has not been particularly good for the cinema industry.
The warm weather in late May and June kept audience figures down, and distributors were reluctant to release quality movies during the four-week long World Cup.
Attendances at matinee performances have been particularly disappointing, and both the Omniplex and Storm reduced their number of screenings.
Said another operator. “If Limerick is overpopulated with screens something has to give.
“There were some good years during the Celtic Tiger but we are now in a different world. Distributors have increased their charges, the product coming through has deteriorated and admissions are down. “Quite a few are just struggling….”
The city planning office was not available for comment this week.
