Kool Kidz Korner is a family run business in County Cork and a popular attraction for young families living in the Ringaskiddy and Carrigaline areas for birthday parties and family day outs.
It is owned by a husband and wife, Michael and Lisa O'Callaghan.
Before this, Michael was in the construction industry while Lisa worked as a banker.
When the recession hit, the couple who have a young family decided to invest their savings in the play centre business which they successfully run from a rented building on a small industrial estate on the outskirts of the ferry port village of Ringaskiddy.
Ten years on, they are open up to seven days a week, and employ eight people on a part-time basis.
But while 2019 should have be a year of celebration, Lisa says instead there is a black cloud hanging over them and their future due to spiralling public liability insurance costs.
In the past 12 months their insurance has almost doubled, from €9,800 last year to €18,500 this year, even though this is a business with no claims against it.
Lisa say despite Kool Kitz Korner being a success, the couple did consider closing it down when they got their insurance bill for this year.
But with financial responsibilities, they decided instead to borrow the money to cover the cost of their insurance.
Lisa says that as members of the newly formed Play Activity Leisure Ireland (PALI) group, they hope that by the time they go to renew their insurance next year, a viable group insurance scheme will be in place that they can avail of.
Read more:
Small businesses highlight massive insurance hikes
