Job losses?

POSITIVE OUTCOME The Ridgepool Hotel in Ballina town centre, which is not to become a hostel for asylum seekers.  Pic: John O’Grady

Job loss prevention now a must for the Ridgepool

Emer Gallagher

The proposed use of the Ridgepool Hotel as an asylum centre has been prevented – and now the focus must be on preventing job losses, according to Ballina TD, Dara Calleary.
“I have an assurance from the Minister for Justice that an asylum centre will not go ahead in the Ridgepool Hotel and I accept his word on the matter,” said Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary, who came under intense pressure to prevent a direct provision centre opening in Ballina.
The Ballina TD said that following confirmation from the Minister for Justice, Brian Lenihan, that a contract will not be signed, the jobs of the 40 staff must be safeguarded.
“I understand that the hotel is closing its doors today [Monday] and there are 40 jobs on the line. I am working with the union representatives to secure employment and training if necessary,” said the Dáil Deputy.
Ballina Town Mayor, Padraig Moore, who had threatened to resign from Fianna Fáil had the centre gone ahead, welcomed the news that it would not go ahead at the Ridgepool.
“I am delighted. It would have been disastrous for the town if it went ahead. I think the town was united on this,” said Cllr Moore.
“Myself and Dara Calleary worked as a team to ensure it didn’t go ahead. He worked on the inside and I worked on the outside. The town councillors were united and I had a number of calls from people offering any help they could.”
Cllr Padraig Moore said the media coverage of the hotel in recent weeks had afforded the establishment major publicity which is of huge benefit to the town.
“There have been enquiries from as far away as Germany. We hope it will be back as it belongs, and up and running as a hotel before long,” said Cllr Moore, who said the 40 jobs were a priority.
Deputy Calleary is also hopeful that a hotel will continue to operate on the premises.
“I have independent verification that a hotel group are interested in the hotel,” said Deputy Calleary, who stated that the fact that there is interest in running the hotel as such shows that a strong economic interest in the establishment exists.
Mr John Hughes, of selling agents CB Richard Ellis, told The Mayo News yesterday (Monday) that they were at an advanced stage of negotiations with interested parties but the hotel had not yet been sold. He also confirmed that the media interest in the site had resulted in more interest in the property.
Ballina Chamber of Commerce have also expressed their delight at what they described as a ‘positive result’ for Ballina.