Two bidders vie for Carlton Abbey lease
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The Cartlon Abbey Hotel in Athy, which closed its doors early this year, is set to re-open within months. This is according to its owner Eamonn Esmonde, who is currently in talks with two interested parties.
“The hotel is not up for sale,” confirmed Mr Esmonde. “We are discussing a lease arrangement deal with two people. I am not prepared to say who these parties are, but discussions are ongoing.”
The hotel closed its doors when the previous leaseholders Cabath Ltd, a franchise partner in the Carlton Group of hotels, went into financial difficulty. The shock announcement was made to its 40 staff members on New Year’s Day, most by a phonecall. Its gym members were informed via a poster on the shut doors of the hotel and leisure centre that same morning.
Speaking to the Leader, owner of the property Mr Esmonde remains optimistic the hotel will reopen.
“I am hopeful of a good outcome. It is taking longer than I thought but we are still very much working on it.”
Mr Esmonde bought the building eight years ago and invested €12m in its conversion. The hotel has been an integral part of the south Kildare town for many years. “We need to protect the hotel, the site, the building. The aim now is to get it back up and running and move forward,” he added.
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Weather for Naas, Ireland
Monday 20 May 2013
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