Revivedhotel to create up to 50 jobs in Cahersiveen
THE re-opening of a hotel in Cahersiveen and adjoining apartments will create between 40 and 50 jobs in the area, according to a consultant involved with ‘ The Skellig Star Project’.
The Kerry Hotel Group purchased what was formerly known as The Watermarque Hotel (pictured above) and adjoining apartments in autumn of 2016 and it is hoped the 56-bedroom ‘Skellig Star’ and its leisure centre will open for business this August.
The recruitment process ramps into gear with a recruitment day at the complex on this Thursday (June 29) from 11am to 2pm, with those overseeing the project seeking a host of employees including bar staff, receptionists, leisure centre staff, and more.
The second phase of the project will conclude after the 2018 summer season, and will see the hotel kitted out to host events, functions, and conferences. The final phase is expected to conclude before 2019, with the 24 apartments in a block adjoining the hotel opening for business. It is expected that, by then, the complex will be able to accommodate some 200 people, and up to 50 new jobs will have been created.
“The complex has been closed since 2009, and significant renovations are required. That process is expected to cost around €3 million” project consultant Sandra Rieger told The Kerryman
“But we hope to see the hotel open in August, and we encourage everyone to call in for our recruitment day between 11am and 2pm on Thursday with their CV in hand so they can meet some of the project team, including Director Fiona Dunne. “Any skill you’d associate with this sector is being sought out,” she said. “The facilities here will include swimming pool, bar, restaurant, gym, and spa, so that gives you an idea of the range of skills needed.”
Alan Landers of local community development group ACARD welcomed the news,saying the development will benefit Cahersiveen and its surrounds through direct employment and its spin-off effect. AS the only Kerry representative at this year’s World Transplant Games, Killarney golfer Connie Brosnan was both proud and excited to be leaving Dublin Airport for Málaga on Saturday morning.
Connie, a former silver-medallist in the European equivalent of these games back in 2010, competed in the Senior Golf Singles tournament yesterday (June 27) and will represent Ireland in the Senior Teams Tournament today (June 28).
Connie spoke to The Kerryman as he was washing his golf clubs ahead of jetting off for Spain, and while he was immensely excited, the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) Kerry Branch Chairperson was most keen to emphasise the difference his kidney transplant in 2007 has made to his life.
“I’m a member of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, and I’ve played golf all my life, but the transplant has given me a new lease of life,” he said.
“Before I got the transplant, I’d try to take part in a fourball and I’d have to pull out after two holes. Now I can do the full 18 no bother. I’ve been practising two days a week in the run-up to this, chipping and putting, but what’s most important to me isn’t competing, it’s getting the message out there to potential donors.
“I’m so grateful to the people who donated and helped me. I don’t know who they are, but I send a bouquet of flowers to Beaumont every year to be passed on. That’s how grateful I am for this new lease.”
Ahead of the games, Connie encouraged the public to register for a donor card, and make their wishes to donate known to next of kin. He thanked IKA Kerry secretary Therese Looney, who also travelled to Málaga, and everyone who has helped him ahead of the event, and was also keen to promote the services provided by the local IKA branch, which can be contacted at (087) 2059205.