Ireland’s fitness fanatics pay the second highest membership fees in Europe, according to a survey of 19 countries across the continent.
The study by Deloitte, a professional services consultancy, and Europe Active, a representative group for the leisure industry, reveals that last year Irish gym bunnies paid an average of €49 a month in fees, behind only Switzerland at €66.
Relative to gross disposable income — the money people have left to spend after taxes and living costs — Ireland’s prices are the highest in Europe.
Conn McCluskey, chief executive of Ireland Active, a not-for-profit body promoting a healthier nation, said higher retail rental rates were a factor. “Consumer spending power is different in Ireland compared with many other European countries,” he said. “Issues such