The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
PLANS have been lodged with Clare County Council for improvements to a prominent hotel, which could see the creation of 30 jobs, writes Owen Ryan.
According to the planning application made by Bunratty Castle Hotel, the development would see the “rationalisation, upgrade and repair (principally required as a result of fire damage) of part of the existing hotel resulting in an increase in gross floor area from 1,377 square metres to 1,559 square metres”.
There would be removal of internal and external walls and external structures, the reconfiguration of certain internal spaces, the construction of a single storey extension to the rear of the hotel and the provision of a new extended frontage to the bar/bistro.
The application says that the development seeks to “increase the functionality of the business and ensure its viability going forward”.
It also says that “A fire occurred in the hotel in June 2021 and the proposed works will rationalise, upgrade and repair the part of the hotel damaged during the fire, whilst simultaneously increasing the operational capacity of Bunratty Castle Hotel.”
It claims, “The proposed development will give further definition to this area of the county, enhancing the role of Bunratty as both a tourism destination and as a service centre for the surrounding communities, and thus contribute to the vibrancy of the area generally.
“The proposed development at Bunratty Castle Hotel will involve major investment to a structure that is considered to be a key historic building in the town, particularly due to its location.
“The investment will ensure that the architectural heritage of the building will be preserved and that the original structure will be presented in exceptional form.
“The proposed development will notably ensure the long term vitality of Bunratty Castle Hotel.”
