‘Massive investment’ for Percy French Hotel project
Estimated €8.5 million needed to fund refurbishment.
It will take an estimated €8.5 million to fund the refurbishment of the Percy French Hotel in Ballyjamesduff into a Community, Tourism and Enterprise Hub.
The amount was revealed at this month’s Ballyjamesduff Municipal District Meeting following a motion put forward by Councillor Trevor Smith.
The Fine Gael man suggested approaching Minister Heather Humphreys to request the landmark premises be made a priority as it is an “eyesore” in the centre of the town. Previous discussions at local authority level on the project had identified the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund as a potential funding source.
Cllr Craig Lovett (FF) spoke in support of the suggestion.
John Donohoe, Senior Executive Officer, confirmed the renovations for the “significant town centre” should be made a priority. He revealed the total sum of money Cavan County Council plan on spending on the establishment is €8.5 million, which he deemed a “massive investment”. However, with the ever changing prices in the building sector, this is subject to change.
Mr Donohoe revealed the council had sought permission from the Department to issue tenders and is still awaiting a response.
“Hopefully it’s positive news,” said the SEO.
As for the suggestion of approaching Minister Humphreys’, Mr Donohoe agreed: “Let’s go in and do it!”
There was unanymity across the chamber.
Located on Main Street, The Percy French Hotel was purchased by the council in 2020, with ambitious plans to transform it into a community hub.
It will house a cafe, remote working spaces, office space, and limited accommodation. Back in 2021, MD members listened to the presentation of a report delivered by senior planner Nicholas O’Kane in which it was explained the three-storey section of the hotel on Dublin Street will be retained and refurbished, while the two-storey wing on Stradone Street, which dates from the 19th Century, would have to be demolished and replaced to “bring it back to its former glory”.
At the time Mr O’Kane stressed the project was in accordance with both the County Development Plan and the Regeneration Plan for Ballyjamesduff.
The planner was enthusiastic that the project was “community led and would be community run”, albeit with the support of Cavan County Council.
It’s not envisaged that the project will not be completed in one go, but through phased development.