What are the plans for Abbey Manor Hotel?

The site of the former Abbey Manor Hotel in Dromahair, which is a protected structure, is set to be renovated however locals want to know what the owner intends to use the building for. 

Cllr Mary Bohan said there are "people in the community who are talking about holding a public meeting" and said at the moment "there are all kinds of rumours going around".

Meanwhile, other councillors at the meeting spoke of how they received word from locals that a  "significant amount of beds" were brought into the building on Monday morning of this week. 

She noted that the planning permission provides for one four-bed suite, eleven three-bed suites, nine two-bed suites and a manager suite. 

Cllr Bohan was talking at the latest Manorhamilton Municipal District meeting where she put forward a motion proposing that the council contact the current owners of the hotel to ascertain what they plan to do with the building. 

Planning permission retention was granted in January of this year, said Cllr Bohan, adding that the people of the town want to know what the plans of the new owners are for the building and said they are "disappointed that it's not going to be a hotel."

Cllr Bohan said she made contact five weeks ago with the "main person involved" but was unable to ascertain what the owner intends to do with the building at this time. 

"We don't want a situation like we had down in Clare with all that controversy and publicity," she said. 

She stressed that the people of Dromahair are "very welcoming and welcome people from different countries and counties."

She also asked if the owners have acquired a Commencement Notice, a Fire Safety Certificate and a Disability Access Certificate.

Cllr Frank Dolan supported Cllr Bohan's motion and said his biggest concern was the "uncertainty and rumour that is going around". 

He also said that the general public and businesspeople of Dromahair are "entitled to know what is going on."

Cllr Padraig Fallon said that he has received calls in relation to his issue "every day for the last months" and said that "accurate, factual information is what is required."