Rates Relief Hotel Re-Opens

A hotel in Ballycastle, Co Antrim, has become the first in Northern Ireland to benefit from the Empty Premises Relief scheme.

The scheme effectively allows for 50% rate relief for up to a year once a long-term empty retail premises becomes occupied.

It was introduced in April 2012 in a bid to help reduce the number of empty units on high streets.

Newly appointed Finance Minister Simon Hamilton MLA visited the reopened Marine Hotel in Ballycastle today.

He said: "I am delighted to be here today to meet with the management and staff of the Marine Hotel and see at first hand a real example of how, through targeting rate relief, the Executive is making a positive impact on the economy and is assisting businesses.

"This refurbished hotel will bring business back into the heart of Ballycastle and will be of great benefit to the local people, creating employment opportunities, maintaining and growing our local tourism industry. This is a great example of how government is helping local business people during the current harsh economic climate and I would take this opportunity to encourage those thinking of starting a business to avail of this generous concession."

Colum McLornan, Director of Marine Hotel Ballycastle Ltd said: "The chances of re-opening the Marine Hotel may not have happened without the rates relief we received. The assistance has enabled us not only to invest in the business, but employ 75 people in the height of the tourist season."

146 new businesses are up and running in Northern Ireland and availing of the 50% rates relief. The Scheme will run until 31 March 2015.

(IT/JP)