Hopes hotel will resume trading within weeks

THE Ivy Tower Hotel in Castlebar is working towards reopening for business as normal in the coming weeks.

The hotel has been closed since a fire in a kitchen in February.

In a post on its Facebook page this week, the hotel (formerly the Welcome Inn) confirmed: 'We have started repairs in the hotel and hope to be back trading as normal within a number of weeks.

'Thanks as always for your support.'

The update was given as a result of queries following a text regarding a blood donation clinic, taking place from April 24-26, issued by the Irish Blood Transfusion Board (IBTS).

The hotel confirmed: 'A lot of people are asking about the IBTS, as you may have received a text. Yes, we can confirm that it is going ahead and The Failte Suite will be open - please use the main Failte Suite door.

'The main hotel will not be open so please make alternative arrangements if you're planning meals around giving blood. The Failte Suite has a separate entrance.'