Pontoon hotel investors outline their plans
DETERMINATION to reinvigorate a well-known business and provide much-needed employment is driving two Mayo-born businessmen to consider investing very significant funds in the former Healy’s Hotel premises in Pontoon.
Pontoon Anglers Hotel Ltd., owned by UK-based Michael Cusack and John Reddington, have acquired the lake-side premises which enjoyed a very positive reputation as a bar, restaurant and small hotel until it ceased trading in recent years after fire damage.
The new owners submitted a planning application to Mayo County Council and Mr. Cusack says their plans for the redevelopment of the site will deliver a ‘best in class’ version of its former self.
He outlined: “We’re very determined to make this a project which will benefit the local community. We have strong ties to the area and both of us are confident that the new business can be a success.
“It will provide a significant number of full-time and part-time jobs and there is great potential in the area but the development of this project into a viable long-term business is crucial to the future."
The new owners originally intended to refurbish the existing building and extend, however when their locallly-based consultants carried out an extensive and detailed appraisal it was concluded that demolition was the only option to deliver a safe, compliant and viable building.
The proposed development will consist of a newly-constructed two-storey building comprising of public bar/lounge/restaurant, dining room, 14 guest bedrooms and ancillary accommodation.
The project is architecturally designed in a traditional style and scale to sympathetically reflect the existing building and its context while capitalising on the site’s picturesque setting and views over Lough Conn.
It is expected that pending the receipt of positive a decision from the council, that works will commence on site in late this year.
Speaking today at a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District, Councillor Blackie Gavin wished the developers every success.
Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said the Castlebar area needed a new hotel on its doorstep.