EFFORTS ARE under way to save a prestigious golf course near Killarney, Co Kerry, which underwent multimillion euro investment after changing hands at the height of the boom.
The Beaufort Golf Course on 247 acres of parkland around the historic Churchtown estate in the Macgillycuddy Reeks was bought by Galvin Developments in 2006 and underwent major investment.
In recent days staff have been put on protective notice and members have been told the future of the course cannot be guaranteed beyond tomorrow because of financial difficulties.
It is understood the sums involved in the sale and efforts to turn it into a golf resort and championship course at the height of the boom were over €24 million.
The course was developed originally in 1995 for the owners, the McGills. In 2007, Galvin Developments commissioned international golf architects to redesign the course to championship standard. Some €2 million of works included the installation of lakes, the development of new holes, new tee boxes, and the installation of a sprinkling system.
Construction had begun on a 120-bedroom hotel to develop a major golf resort. However, work on this was suspended this year.