120

HUDSONS BUY ARKLOW BAY

The number of jobs saved at the Arklow Bay Hotel. The the 92-bedroom hotel which was in receivership was bought by the Hudson Family

THE FUTURE of more than 120 jobs has been secured this week through the sale of the Arklow Bay Hotel.

The sale, which is due to be officially finalised this morning ( Wednesday), has brought the 92-bedroom hotel out of receivership.

New owners, the Hudson Family from Arklow, completed negotiations in at the weekend and say they are very happy to be taking over the long-running operation.

‘We are delighted to have acquired the Arklow Bay Hotel. It’s a well-established local business and we look forward to working with all the staff and the Dalata management company,’ said family spokesperson William Hudson, of the well-known Hudson Concrete firm.

Mr. Hudson confirmed that Dalata will be retained as management com- pany and that all current staff will be retained. The hotel will continue to trade as the Arklow Bay Hotel.

‘We envisage a smooth transition. Dalata are very professional and have a lot of experience in the hotel industry. We plan to grow the business and we would like to continue to support the local community and local business as much as possible. We hope to provide the people of Arklow with a first class hotel,’ he said.

In total there are in the region of 140 full-time, parttime and seasonal staff employed at The Arklow Bay Hotel, which went into receivership in May 2013. Since then the hotel has been operated by the management company on behalf of the receiver.

Mr. Hudson refused to be drawn on the figure paid for the hotel, but commented ‘I’d say both parties are happy’.