K Leisure Confirms Intention To Go Cashless From October Amid "Safety" Concerns

Wednesday, 6 September 2023 11:48

By Caoimhe Harney

K Leisure claims going cashless reduces the risk of theft and ensures a safer work environment

K-Leisure has confirmed its intention to go cashless in its branches from the 1st October.

Aontú Rep for Kildare, Una O’ Connor has called on K Leisure facilities to rethink their decision, saying the decision is regressive and exclusionary

Ms O' Connor commented: “K Leisure has been providing a great service to the public for some years now. €8 for an adult swim in a spotless 20 Metre pool is good value in my book. .

“Imagine my surprise when l was informed at the desk two weeks ago that K Leisure is to go cashless on 1st October.”

“Following the recent U turn by NCT in relation to their ill-fated’ No Cash Transactions’ policy,largely as a result of an Aontú campaign, I hoped that maybe K Leisure had also seen the light," she explained.

In a Statement to Kfm, Brian Grady, Operations Manager at K Leisure said: "Going cashless reduces the risk of theft and ensures a safer environment for both our staff and members. Our Naas club recently experienced a burglary, targeting the tills and cash safe.

"At present, our monthly memberships are already being paid electronically, either through direct debit or recurring card payment.

"A recent analysis revealed a strong customer preference towards card payments. In the past 12 months, 94% of all our point-of-sale transactions were completed as card transactions," he added.

Aontú Rep for Kildare, Una O’ Connor continued: “This is very disappointing. It’s dreadful to think a that a child or teenager will go for a swim only to have their fiver rejected”. It’s also patently not a decision that many elderly people will welcome as they use cash on a regular basis.

“Cash is legal tender. According to the Central Bank of Europe, creditors, such as shops and restaurants, cannot refuse cash, unless both they and the customer have agreed on another means of payment in advance.

“Ending the use of cash is incredibly discriminatory. Cash is inclusive, providing a simple payment method for everyone irrespective of access to the internet, smart phones, or the ability to use technology.

“The Central Bank of Ireland states clearly that ‘Cash ensures your freedom and autonomy. It states that ‘Banknotes and coins are the only form of money that people can keep without involving a third party.

“Cash is crucial for the inclusion of socially vulnerable citizens such as the elderly or lower-income groups. This move by K Leisure is retrograde and I am asking it to reconsider in a bid to be fully inclusive and welcoming to all," she added.

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