Mayo hotel set to be converted into state-of-the-art nursing home

A MULTI-million-euro plan is in place to transform a luxury Mayo hotel into a state-of-the-art nursing home.

Tirawley Limited, the owners of the Breaffy Woods Hotel on the outskirts of Castlebar, has lodged a planning application with Mayo County Council to pave the way for the project.

The company is seeking a change of use of the three-storey hotel to a 90-bedroom nursing home in an investment that will create over 50 new permanent jobs.

The development would see the erection of a two-storey extension to the building with modifications to the car parking facilities.

There will be modifications to the existing rooms to accommodate the most modern of nursing home facilities.

Tirawley Limited has been in negotiations with a national nursing home operator with regard to the sale of the hotel, subject to the change of use.

The planning application has no impact on Breaffy House Hotel, which will continue to trade as a four-star hotel.

Wilson Bird, manager, Breaffy House Hotel, told The Connaught Telegraph that Breaffy Woods Hotel was no longer viable as a hotel and has been operating only over the summer months, at Easter and Halloween.

"It has been a draw on the resources of Breaffy House Hotel, which is trading very successfully.

"In order to retain Breaffy Woods Hotel within the estate, converting it into a nursing home has been deemed the best option by the owners.

"The fact that 50 high-end jobs will be created as a result of the change is a very significant factor in this region," he said.