07/08/2001

New hotel in Maghera creates job opportunities

Walsh’s Hotel in Maghera was officially opened on August 7 by Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Sir Reg Empey, and its development has created 29 full time and 53 part time jobs in the area.

The first project to become operational under the new Tourism Challenge Capital Fund, Walsh’s Hotel received a grant of £211,000 from the Tourism Challenge Capital Fund representing just over 20 per cent of the total cost of £1.3 million.

Sir Reg described the Tourism Challenge competition as part of a major economic strategy aimed at promoting enterprise and encouraging investment throughout Northern Ireland.

He said: “Tourism is not the only aspect to benefit from the development of the hotel. I commend the International Fund for Ireland for their involvement in this project, one that has visibly revitalised this area and I hope that it will act as a catalyst for further economic development.”

Walsh’s Hotel comprises 15 ensuite bedrooms, restaurant and conference suite and will accommodate up to 65 people.

Sir Reg commended the promoters, Glencarn Property, for their energy, commitment and enthusiasm in participating in the initiative. (CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

28 May 2012
County Tyrone Hotel Steps Up To Tourism Challenge
A 17th-century hotel building in County Tyrone is set to get a £1.4m overhaul. Corick House in Clogher valley will add a new spa and more than double its capacity. Plans for 24 double en-suite bedrooms will bring the hotel’s total to 43 rooms in an expansion supported by £230,000 from Invest NI.
02 November 2023
BCC Launches New £100,000 Challenge Fund Competition
Belfast City Council has announced a new £100,000 Challenge Fund competition for the city's digital and creative companies, aimed at animating the Maritime Mile. Developed by the Council's City Innovation Office, in partnership with the Maritime Belfast Trust, the fund is part of the Belfast HUB-IN (Hub of Innovation) project.
10 June 2021
Funding Announced For Water Quality Improvement Projects
Funding of £200,000 has been announced for a range of water quality projects across Northern Ireland by Environment Minister Edwin Poots.
22 October 2024
Dunadry Hotel Investment To Create Luxury Spa
Building work has started on a new thermal spa garden at the Dunadry Hotel & Gardens, offering exclusive access for guests staying in the 10 bedrooms that will form part of the new retreat.
10 November 2023
Growth Plans Announced For McKeever Hotel Group
McKeever Hotel Group has revealed that it intends to grow its operations across its existing hotels in Northern Ireland and Donegal. The Antrim-based hospitality business aims to increase turnover to £60 million through the next three years, with further acquisitions and hotel management contracts included in the growth plan.