Roscrea Community Hotel decision expected this month

A decision on if the former Grant's Hotel on Castle Street in Roscrea is viable to be rejuvenated and operated under a unique 'community hotel' model is expected this month.

The 24 bedroom Grant's Hotel, which was once the Pathé Hotel and later rebranded as the Damer Court Hotel, closed 11 years ago after playing a central role in the lives of generations of people from Roscrea and beyond.

The government made €150,000 available for a study into whether the disused hotel has potential as a community operated business and the results of that study are expected this month.

A commitment was made in principle to purchase the former Grant's Hotel following protests around the conversion of the town's only functioning hotel into accommodation for international protection applicants.

After the closure of the Racket Hall Hotel in January of last year, the closed hotel in the centre of the town was thrust into the national spotlight after local Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Smith, and now retired TD Jackie Cahill, proposed the government purchase the building and return it to work as a hospitality business - but under a unique community based model similar to a successful enterprise currently operating in county Monaghan.

Sale sign on Roscrea hotel heightens concerns among local people

Councillor Smith visited the Monaghan hotel last year and was impressed, strengthening his conviction that a similar enterprise could be created in Roscrea.

That resolve has not wavered and last week Councillor Smith told RTÉ Radio One's 'Drivetime' that he remains confident the results of the study will be positive and the doors of the Castle Street hotel will reopen.

The decision to spend €150,000 on a feasibility study to investigate the potential to rejuvenate a long closed hotel was described as 'stupid' and a 'waste of taxpayers money' by Tipperary Labour TD Alan Kelly and also criticised by Independent TD, Deputy Michael Lowry.

However, Cllr Smith said the idea could "rejuvenate Castle Street" and "bring the community together in a very positive way".