Future of Welcome Inn Hotel is secured

A DEAL has been reached to secure the future of the Welcome Inn Hotel in Castlebar, The Connaught Telegraph can confirm.

An agreement is in place between Thomas McHugh and Dublin-based firm, Baker Tilly Ryan Glendon Limited, the receivers who have been handling the sale on behalf of Bank of Ireland.

The sale, by private treaty, was conducted by Sherry FitzGerald Crowley of James Street, Westport.

The new owner is a son of Mary McHugh and the late Tony McHugh, whose father, Tom, built the establishment, which first opened in May 1962.

The popular hotel went into voluntary liquidation on February 18 last with the loss of 20 full-time and 25 part-time jobs. It has been involved in a receivership process since March 21.

Mr. McHugh will not be issuing a press statement until all the paperwork on the purchase is completed.

But it is understood he will be investing in modernising and refurbishing the 32-bedroom hotel.

It is unclear at this point when the premises will reopen, but the hope is that it will take place shortly.

The news represents a major boost for the town’s hospitality and business sectors.