Comers believed to have bought Shannon Oaks

It is understood that two North Galway brothers have purchased the burned out shell of the Shannon Oaks Hotel in Portumna. It could reopen by the end of next year.

The loss of the hotel in Portumna was a major body blow for the town but local businesses are buoyed by the fact that it will reopen within the next couple of years. It is understood that there were six interested parties in acquiring the burned out shell of the hotel which has now been sold by the receivers of the property.

Cllr. Anne Rabbitte said that she was delighted to have been informed of the sale of the hotel. She said that it was a vital part of tourism for the town.

The Fianna Fail councillor said that since the fire that resulted in the hotel being destroyed, it resulted in a huge void in the town.

The move has been welcomed by Portumna Chamber of Commerce who said that the loss of a hotel in the town was costing around €2.5 million in lost revenue.

Paul Dillon is President of Portumna Chamber of Commerce and he said that he was aware that there were six potential buyers of the property. He is now delighted that there is confirmation of the purchase

Mr. Dillon said that he was happy that it would be reopened as a hotel and there would be progress within the next month or six weeks. He said that he was informed by the receivers that the ‘sale agreed’ sign had been erected and that it went to the top bidder.

“We need a hotel in Portumna and we are heartened that it has been sold to someone who intends to redevelop the property. It has been a major loss to the town,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cllr. Anne Rabbitte said that she was delighted that the hotel had been acquired and was given an assurance that it would be retained as a major tourist facility for the town.

There were fears that the hotel site could have been turned into a place where cars would be displayed for sale. This is now unlikely to happen.

Over the past year the Shannon Oaks Hotel Action Group (SOHAG) was formed in an effort to have the property sold and reopened. It now appears as if their ambitions have been achieved.

“It is with great relief to us and we are sure all of Portumna to know that the process is so near completion and that we can all start looking forward to a bigger brighter future for the town and all the area,” Mr. Dillon added.