Campaign set to ensure State owns GSH group

A CAMPAIGN to ensure the Great Southern Hotel (GSH) group remains in State hands is being reactivated in Kerry, where two of the top hotels are located.

Latest concerns arise from the Government’s decision to break up Aer Rianta, which is responsible for the GSH group.

Trade unionists and employees at the hotels in Killarney and Parknasilla have made their views clear to Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue who stated that it is in the interests of Irish tourism that the hotels should remain in State ownership.

Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has not yet outlined the position in regard to the GSH group, which will now be coming under the control of the new company charged with running Dublin Airport.

There are fears among unions and hotel staff that the hotel group, valued at around 150m, could be sold off and privatised on the basis that it is not an integral part of the aviation business.

Kerry South Labour TD Breeda Moynihan-Cronin has called for a clear statement from Mr Brennan about the future of the hotels.

“Reports that Dublin Airport, which has now been given control of the entire group, may have to sell the hotels to meet its debts are very alarming,” she said.

Whilst Mr Moynihan-Cronin welcomed Mr O’Donoghue’s personal support, she said she was concerned that he and his Government colleagues did not have the political willingness to ensure the hotels remained in public ownership.

Last year, 14m was spent on a major refurbishment programme at the 149-year-old Killarney GSH.