Up to 80 jobs are to be created with the redevelopment of two hotels in West Donegal.
A total of €15milion is to be invested as part of a regeneration project in Bunbeg.
The ambitious project will press ahead with the transformation of iconic local hotels the Ostan Gaoth Dobhair and the Seaview in Bunbeg.
The hotels were once hugely popular tourist attractions but both closed in recent years.
However, investment company Vesada Private is now set to invest in the area which has been blighted by unemployment and more recently by Covid.
Local TD Pearse Doherty said he was delighted by the move.
He said “This is a great day for Gaoth Dobhair and for west Donegal. This is exactly the type of investment that was needed in the area and I was honoured to be asked by Bunbeg Revitalisation Limited to announce this investment today.
“The investment of €15 million will see the development of a 28-bedroom hotel and some luxury self-catering apartments where the former Seaview Hotel is, along with a restaurant and bar.
“Further development of accommodation at the site will also form part of a future phase of the new development. It is expected that the first phase will be open in Autumn 2021.”
“In terms of the Ostan Ghaoth Dobhair, a leisure and activity complex will be developed with a full leisure centre and other recreational amenities for tourists and locals to enjoy. Accommodation in the form of own-key luxury self-catering apartments will also be developed, and a restaurant and bar will also be available. It is expected that this will open in Autumn 2022.”
“The scenic location of the hotels, overlooking the islands and Bád Eddie, was a big factor in the decision to invest.”
“For too long, we have seen Donegal be left behind. We know the beauty of the area and we know that we always have a warm welcome for visitors to the area. This investment will mean that we can share that beauty and welcome with more people who will come, stay and use these new facilities.”
“This investment will boost tourism and will hopefully allow other local businesses to invest and grow. Bunbeg Revitalisation Limited has also emphasized to me the importance of ensuring that the employment created is available for the local people and that is welcome.”
Des Connolly, of the Vesada Group, who also spoke at that launch said they are excited to finally be able to announce this project which has been almost two-years in the making.
He said “We would like to sincerely thank the local people of the area who have helped us along the way. We look forward to getting started on the work and to providing these facilities for Bunbeg and Gaoth Dobhair.
“We hope that it will give the area a renewed lease of life and that it will attract more visitors by showing all of the magic that west Donegal has to offer.”
