15/08/2008

Ruane Welcomes Mourne Hotel Plans

The granting of planning permission for a new Co Down hotel has been hailed as "good news for the Mournes", (pictured).

South Down MLA Caitríona Ruane welcomed the move to allow a new Glassdrumman hotel to be constructed on a seven and a half acre site, near Annalong.

Ms Ruane made her remarks when she met with the developer, Glasgiven Contracts, and said she is impressed with the planned £10 million project, which is set to include a 50-bedroom hotel and around 20 chalets.

The Sinn Fein MLA said: "I believe the well designed complex, at the gateway to the Mournes, is the type of development that may help address some of the current shortfall in affordable hotel accommodation that is impeding tourist development in the Mournes and South Down in general.

"It is also a project that will provide much needed employment for local people as well as giving a boost to the local economy."

Ms Ruance said: "To their credit, the developers have made clear their intention to integrate the building into the existing environment and have included in their plans a filter lane for traffic easement entering and leaving the hotel.

"They have also given assurances they will not be opening a night club in the hotel, which they consider inappropriate for what they are planning."

More people are visiting the south Down area, but limit their stay to one day due to a lack of accommodation, according to Ms Ruane.

"It is essential therefore, that South Down has as wide a range of accommodation available as possible, otherwise the vast majority of tourists will be day trippers and the economic benefits will be negligible," she said.

(PR/JM)

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

12 August 2013
£12m Newry Hotel Approved
Newry in County Down is to received a significant economic boost, following the approval of a proposed 120-bed hotel at the former ATS Garage at Downshire Road. Environment Minister Mark Durkan has announced DOE Planning approval for development, which has been endorsed by Newry and Mourne District Council.
02 August 2011
School Building 'Paper Exercises' Reviewed
Reports that large sums of money are being spent on 'paper exercises' in planning for schools that may never be built due to budget cuts, have prompted the current NI Education Minister to review the expenditure.
24 May 2007
Revised curriculum will improve children’s future
The revised curriculum being introduced on a phased basis from September 2007 will improve children’s future prospects and raise standards in schools, local Education minister has said.
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.
19 December 2012
Second Man Sues Mauritian Police Over Michaela McAreavey Murder
A second man acquitted of the murder of Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius is seeking compensation from the island's authorities. The 27-year-old was killed at the Legends Hotel last year while she was on her honeymoon. Avinash Treebhoowoon and Sandip Moneea were cleared of the killing.