Jobs boost as €100m hotel and golf project tees off

A LUXURY €100 million hotel and golf development planned for the outskirts of Clonmel will open in 2008 and create 200 permanent jobs.

The Marlbrook Hotel and Golf Resort will be on a par with world famous courses such as Mount Juliet, Carton House, and the K Club which plays host to the Ryder Cup in September.

The new development, which is being undertaken by Marlfield Property Developments, will boast among its many lavish facilities a 135-bedroom Grade A hotel and an 18 hole championship golf course.

The facilities will also include a fitness centre, spa, and a conference and banqueting suite catering for up to 700 people.

The development will also include 20 “premium” homes which will be located in a secluded 19th century courtyard.

Some 300 jobs will be created during the development’s construction stage which is expected to begin in the autumn, and the hotel gold resort are both expected to be “up and running” in the first half of 2008.

Marlfield Property Developments director John Kent said the preparation for the multi million euro development has extended back half a decade.

“A lot of work has been carried out behind the scenes and many people have done Trojan work to advance the project to this stage,” said Mr Kent.

He added that his company is also very appreciative of the 100% support the development has received from the elected members of South Tipperary County Council.

There was an ecumenical blessing of the site at Marlfield this week by Fr Michael J Ryan PP and Church of Ireland Rector Rev George Knowd, and John Kent said it will now be the case of “all systems go” until the dream becomes reality in about two years time.

The new complex will be managed by Adrian Bartels who is one of the best known hoteliers in the country having been involved as manager with the Sheen Falls Lodge, the Park Hotel in Kenmare, and the Royal Scotsman which is Scotland’s version of the Orient Express. He was also named the Irish Hotel and Catering Institute’s “Hotel Manager Of The Year” in 2003.

The development will provide a major economic boost to Clonmel and the entire South Tipperary region and is being warmly welcomed in local political and commercial circles.

South Tipperary County Council chairman Derry Foley said the development will create vibrant and commercial activity in Clonmel.

Cllr Foley said the support and backing of the project by the people of Marlfield has also been an important factor in advancing it to this stage.