Monksland used car dealership announces its closure

Centre Point Autos in Monksland, Athlone, announced its closure last weekend after 13 years of business.

Owner Brian Larkin cited hurdles like rising costs, and his own health, as reasons for the business shutting its doors.

Taking to Facebook to share the sad news on Saturday evening, Brian said: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Centre Point Autos have closed our doors. It has been an emotional and difficult decision to call time on what has been a long and happy chapter in our lives.

"It was not an easy decision but I could no longer let the role keep affecting my health, in particular running a business with heart failure is undesirable - but more importantly risking my opportunity of seeing my boys growing up."

He went on to say that rising costs of parts, labour, and other general overheads had a huge impact on the operations of the dealership.

The cost of living was also having an impact on his customers' ability to pay their repair bills on time, Brian said.

He extended his heartfelt thanks to his staff and customers. Brian said: "Centre Point Autos was not only my business, but it was my life and a place where we all made a lot of amazing friends.

"I want to thank everyone who supported me through the years. The friendships that were created has been the ultimate reward."

Brian said that many businesses also suffered huge losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and continue to struggle due to the current cost of living crisis.

He continued: "We are now calling on the government to put more supports in place for SME’s before small independent enterprises are all wiped out completely.

"Please continue to support local businesses in your area, they may need it more than you think."