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)
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.
21 March 2024
BCC Unveils Refreshed Strategic Plan For Belfast City Centre
New plans to support the most vulnerable in Belfast while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods and achieving climate targets have been published in a refreshed strategic plan for the city. First published in 2017, the Belfast Agenda set out joint vision for the city up to 2035.
BCC Unveils Refreshed Strategic Plan For Belfast City Centre
New plans to support the most vulnerable in Belfast while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods and achieving climate targets have been published in a refreshed strategic plan for the city. First published in 2017, the Belfast Agenda set out joint vision for the city up to 2035.
23 February 2024
SDLP Meet With Castle Investments Over Tribeca Development
A delegation of SDLP representatives have met with Castlebrooke Investments, to discuss the Tribeca development in Belfast city centre. Attending were SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole, SDLP City Council Group Leader Séamas de Faoite, Councillor Gary McKeown and Councillor Carl Whyte.
SDLP Meet With Castle Investments Over Tribeca Development
A delegation of SDLP representatives have met with Castlebrooke Investments, to discuss the Tribeca development in Belfast city centre. Attending were SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole, SDLP City Council Group Leader Séamas de Faoite, Councillor Gary McKeown and Councillor Carl Whyte.
05 February 2024
NIFRS Welcomes Graduation Of Latest 36 Wholetime Firefighters
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has welcomed the graduation of 36 new firefighters, the final graduates to complete their journey at the Boucher Learning & Development Centre (LDC). This graduating class marks the official opening of the final phase of their new cutting edge training facility in Cookstown.
NIFRS Welcomes Graduation Of Latest 36 Wholetime Firefighters
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has welcomed the graduation of 36 new firefighters, the final graduates to complete their journey at the Boucher Learning & Development Centre (LDC). This graduating class marks the official opening of the final phase of their new cutting edge training facility in Cookstown.
20 March 2024
New £575,000 Immersive Technologies Challenge Fund Announced
A new £575,000 Augment the City Challenge Fund has been announced to support innovation in immersive technologies. Led by Belfast City Council's City Innovation Office and funded by the Belfast Region City Deal, the fund will open in April 2024, to support local SMEs to explore the future role of immersive technologies in visitor experiences.
New £575,000 Immersive Technologies Challenge Fund Announced
A new £575,000 Augment the City Challenge Fund has been announced to support innovation in immersive technologies. Led by Belfast City Council's City Innovation Office and funded by the Belfast Region City Deal, the fund will open in April 2024, to support local SMEs to explore the future role of immersive technologies in visitor experiences.
19 March 2024
New Cost-Of-Living Support For NI Community Groups
New funding has been announced to support 287 Voluntary and Community organisations across Northern Ireland, funded through Department for Communities Voluntary & Community Division (V&CD) and Community Empowerment Division (CED).
New Cost-Of-Living Support For NI Community Groups
New funding has been announced to support 287 Voluntary and Community organisations across Northern Ireland, funded through Department for Communities Voluntary & Community Division (V&CD) and Community Empowerment Division (CED).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.