Radisson to open Cork hotel

A NEW international four-star hotel in Little Island is expected to create 145 new jobs and pump millions of euro into the Cork economy.

The €37 million hotel development by Cork businessmen Des O’Dowd, proprietor of Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, and property developer Rick Fitzgerald of the Oran Group, will open in June.

Mr O’Dowd said yesterday the development, which is being funded through a combination of equity and bank borrowings, will be a major addition to the local economy.

The 131-bedroom hotel will be operated by Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts and Mr O’Dowd revealed the Radisson connection had already resulted in two conferences coming to Ireland which would have gone elsewhere.

The main 3,000 sq metre conference hall can cater for 450 delegates or 375 people seated at a gala dinner, Mr O’Dowd said.

The Bandon accountant/ developer said that while he is looking to develop more Radisson hotels in Europe, he is also considering opening a three-star Park Inn in Ireland, in conjunction with Radisson.

The Cork hotel will feature a state-of-the-art health and leisure centre and Elemis spa facilities on its nine-acre grounds.

Mr O’Dowd said that in addition to meeting the needs of local and international businesses, the hotel will cater for the increasing residential population of Midleton, Carrigtwohill and surrounding areas.

He said: “The local economy in Cork is performing extremely well, not least of all because of the continuing investment from major pharmaceutical and IT companies.

“Although it is a competitive hotel market, it is obvious the city has a significant requirement for a sophisticated international hotel brand.

“It is for this reason we chose to invite Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts to operate the hotel, as the group is already well established in Ireland,” he added.

Welcoming the news, Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Micheál Martin said Radisson SAS’s decision to come to Cork reflects the strength of the local economy and corresponding demand for high-quality products and service providers in the city.

“The announcement of the new jobs by the new Radisson SAS is very welcome indeed and I would like to wish the management team and all the staff every success,” he added.

General manager Eivind Dalvang and director of sales and marketing Colette O’Callaghan will lead the team in running the new property.