Rhatigan plans 10-storey extension to Dublin's Radisson Blu Hotel

The owner of the four-star Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin city centre is planning a 10-storey extension which would add over 100 rooms.

The hotel, close to St Patrick’s Cathedral, is owned by Galway-based contractor the Rhatigan Group, which is looking to capitalise on strong profits generated in recent years.

The extension will allow the hotel generate tens of millions each year in extra accommodation revenues.

The planned development involves an eight storey over two storey basement extension that will increase the hotel’s room numbers to 255.

The ambitious plan also includes a spa and wellness treatment centre in the basement and a gym and a juice bar.

The planning application has just been lodged with Dublin City Council and also includes modifications to the function room.

The Rhatigan Group’s plan to increase the hotel’s bed capacity by 40% represents quite a turnaround after it successfully fought off High Court moves by Goldman Sachs to place the premises into receivership.

The dispute over an €80m debt and the ownership of the Radisson Blu was settled last year.

Rhatigan’s decision to lodge this application coincides with Dublin City Council dealing with a flurry of hotel applications as investors seek to address the shortfall in what is a booming market in Dublin.

In a recent report, the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation reported a need for 30 additional hotels providing 5,000 extra rooms in Dublin by 2021.