Jobs boost for Ballymun as hotel reopens

A BALLYMUN hotel reopened last week, almost two years after a fire-related closure.

Metro Hotel Dublin Airport, which is located at Santry Cross, was badly damaged when a blaze broke out in an adjoining apartment in March 2018. Thanks to the efficiency of staff and emergency personnel who attended the scene, the hotel was quickly evacuated and there were no injuries.

The 88-bed hotel has undergone a €20 million revamp with a significantly enhanced offering aimed at attracting a four-star rating.

When fully operational, the Metro Hotel is expected to employ 50 permanent staff, including 10 staff members retained throughout its refurbishment. It will also support an estimated 100 indirect jobs in local businesses and suppliers arising from increased footfall and tourism related spending in the area.

Mark Williams, general manager of the Metro Hotel Dublin Airport, said: “As we look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for the Metro Hotel and for the broader community, we must also acknowledge the support and best wishes received following the fire in 2018 and also our enormous relief that no one was injured, or worse. 

“We are deeply grateful for the quick actions of our staff, the fire service and gardaí for ensuring a speedy and safe evacuation of all involved.”

Metro Hotel is part of the fast-growing TMR Hotel Collection, owned by Austrian investor Thomas Röggla. Last November, TMR announced a €60 million investment programme acquiring and upgrading three 4-star hotels during 2019, including Harvey’s Point in Donegal and The Plaza and Tallaght Cross Hotels in Tallaght. TMR Hotel Collection has acquired 14 hotels in Ireland since late 2014. 

As one of Ireland’s largest hotel groups, it now has more than 1,600 bedrooms and employs over 1,500 staff.