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Larkins Bar, Francis Street, Newry and Jaramas Investments, Newry, along with Killeavy Castle Estate, are among those who will receive support to expand their accommodation offerings as part of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's new £1m Hotel Accommodation Scheme. The fund is designed to increase hotel room capacity and support tourism growth throughout the district.
A spokesperson for Larkins Bar Ltd welcomed the funding, describing it as a significant boost for the business. They said, "The investment will allow us to expand our accommodation offering and provide more opportunities for visitors to stay, explore and enjoy the unique hospitality experience for which the region is renowned. We are excited about the future and grateful to the Council for recognising the importance of investing in tourism infrastructure."
Mick Boyle from Jaramas Investments said Killeavy Castle Estate was delighted to be supported through the scheme. He said, "The 365-acre Estate sits on the slopes of the magnificent Slieve Gullion and provides our visitors with sustainable luxury accommodation. Demand for high-quality accommodation continues to grow and this investment will help us further develop our offering while enhancing the visitor experience." He added that the council's vision and commitment to supporting the tourism sector was to be welcomed, and said he looked forward to playing his part in attracting more visitors to South Armagh and showcasing the destination in the Ring of Gullion.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, said tourism was one of the key drivers of the local economy and that the £1 million investment demonstrated the council's commitment to supporting its future growth. Cllr Hanna said, "We have seen strong demand from local and international visitors who are drawn to the outstanding natural beauty, heritage, food and hospitality experiences that Newry, Mourne and Down has to offer. By investing in additional hotel accommodation, we are helping to ensure that more visitors can stay longer, spend more and fully experience everything our district has to offer."
Cllr Hanna added that the projects being supported through the scheme would create lasting benefits for the tourism industry, local businesses and communities, and said he was delighted to congratulate the successful applicants and wished them every success as they brought their expansion plans forward.
The Hotel Accommodation Scheme forms part of the council's wider tourism and economic development strategy, which aims to encourage investment, support business growth and enhance Newry, Mourne and Down's reputation as a destination for visitors from Ireland and the UK and further afield. With visitor numbers continuing to rise, the council said the additional accommodation supported through the scheme would help ensure the district is well positioned to deliver sustainable tourism growth in the years ahead.
