Portmarnock resort to be expanded

THE Portmarnock golf and hotel resort in Dublin is to undergo a multi-million euro expansion.

The plush hotel, which includes Tony and Chryss O’Reilly among its shareholders, has lodged a planning application with Fingal County Council to knock down parts of the existing buildings to make way for the expansion.

According to the planning application the hotel will get a new four-storey wing for 39 new bedroom and luxury suites plus two upmarket penthouses.

It is also seeking permission for an extension to its famous Osbourne restaurant and the installation of a roof garden.

With the existing conference and function areas removed, the hotel will build a larger 1,000 sq metre facility and plans to expand its carpark to accommodate a further 40 vehicles.

The planning application was lodged with the council in August and it is expected to get approval before the end of this month.

The resort is one of the most luxurious in Dublin and has a four-star rating. The golf course is also amongst the most demanding and was designed by the twice major champion and Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer.

The hotel was originally built and owned by the Jameson family (of whiskey fame), buts its current shareholders include the O’Reillys and Michael Holland, who own a number of hotels in Ireland and the US.

Accounts for Natworth Limited, the company which owns the hotel, show that it lost €190,563 in 2002, the last set of results filed. This compared to a profit of €350,000 in 2001.

Turnover slipped from €7.2 million to €6.9m, though it can expect an improved performance from the last 18 months given the rebound in tourist figures and it will also benefit from the expansion of the property.