25 hotel jobs at risk

THERE are fears for 25 jobs at a Limerick hotel after owners announced it is to close for a month to review its future.

Ivan Tuohy, general manager of the Clarion Hotel Suites on the Ennis Road, said there was an over-supply of hotel beds in the city and the hotel had to pay rates of over €170,000 a year.

He said they are examining the possibility of opening at weekends and on big rugby occasions at Thomond Park. He said: “Is it worthwhile just opening for the summer period? The only way we can really review the business in total is by closing it for a short period like four weeks and then knowing for certain what we’re going to do with the business.

“Another big problem we have are the city rates. We pay €173,000 per year and that’s one of the main reasons we have to look at the business as well. Low occupancy, low (hotel) rates, over supply of beds and high rates– it’s just madness sometimes.”

Some staff will transfer to the Clarion Hotel on Steamboat Quay while the review is undertaken.