Jobs boost in hotel sector in Cavan

The new year brings with it fresh hope for many with the news that up to 150 jobs, in construction and direct employment, are to be created in the coming year through two multi-million euro hotel developments in the county.
The green light was given just before Christmas for developments at the Hotel Kilmore, Cavan Town, and the Park Lodge, Virginia.
Up to €3m is to be spent adding a two-storey extension to the side of the existing Hotel Kilmore, incorporating 36 new bedrooms, a gym, laundry, meeting rooms and offices.
Expected to create up to 80 jobs in construction and 20 more full-time positions in hotel staff, proprietor Ross Mealiff told The Anglo-Celt this week: “It’s good news for Cavan and it’s good news for the town.”
Meanwhile, chef and restaurateur Richard Corrigan received the go-ahead to restore and convert an existing boat and gate house to guest accommodation in the grounds of the 17th Century hunting lodge. They form the latest additions in an ongoing estimated €5m layout aimed at establishing the hotel as one of Ireland’s premier vacation destinations. Mr Corrigan had previously indicated that his ongoing refurbishment programme would create up to 70 jobs.
Both projects are in addition to ongoing works at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, and at the Crover House Hotel and Golf Club, Mountnugent.
General Manager at the Slieve Russell Tony Walker is confident planned investment in refurbishing the Woodford and Erne conference suites will benefit the hotel going forward.
Last year the Slieve Russell employed an extra 40 full and part-time staff, with the potential of more new jobs in 2016 and Mr Walker believes the increase in business, particularly against a weak Euro, shows domestic markets are beginning to recover.
“The investments we’ve made are part of an ongoing programme of works here at the hotel,” he explained.

See this week's issue for more details.