Planners seek more information on proposed hotel and roof garden

Galway City Council has sought more information on plans for a change of use of five apartments over O’Reilly’s Bar in Salthill for use as a boutique hotel.

Owner Anthony O’Reilly has sought permission for the retention of two top floor apartments into one unit and for the change of use of all five apartments into a hotel comprising of family suites.

He has also sought permission for a new external (enclosed) fire escape and a change of use of open space on the roof to a roof garden to serve the hotel.

According to the application, the O’Reilly’s hope to return to the same business which they ran on the site until 2003 when they sold the ‘Stroll Inn’ to make way for redevelopment, before buying it back in 2016.

“Mr O’Reilly finds himself inundated with requests from people and families looking for accommodation. He notes that most people already assume the premises is a hotel.

“It appears certain that changing the use to a boutique-type hotel will fill a void in the area for this type of accommodation,” the application reads.

The Council has since asked for clarification on the exact use of the roof garden space, proposals for functions and private parties there, hours of operation, whether food will be served, and whether there will be live music or piped music.

The Council has also sought clarification on whether the use of the roof level for hotel residents, functions and the bar comply with Fire Regulations, and how the hotel with family suites will operate in conjunction with the bar.