Plans to carry out major redevelopment and extension works at the Glen Oaks Hotel in the Westside – to create nearly 30 new en-suite bedrooms – are under consideration by Galway City Council.
According to the proposal, the tourist accommodation sector has changed dramatically since the hotel was built 16 years ago.
Under the plans, 2-star en-suite accommodation would be supplemented by a common room, and guests would have to pay a deposit that would be forfeited in the event of noise disturbance.
Michael McGrath of Motver Ltd – who operates the hotel with his brother, John – has sought permission to change the existing bar, restaurant and staff area on the ground floor into 13 new bedrooms; construct a new extension at first and second floor with eight rooms; and convert unused attic space to a further six bedrooms.
At the moment, there are 36 bedrooms in the hotel, which is owned by Terry and Gary Lydon, sons of city property magnate Dominic Lydon.
“The tourist accommodation sector has changed very dramatically since the Celtic Tiger era when the hotel first opened. Our client has been operating the Glen Oaks for the past five years and has seen a sizeable shift in the needs and demands of his guests.
“Presently, two-thirds of the ground floor is unused as there is no demand for such a large bar and restaurant area. Neither the guests staying at the hotel or the local passing trade warrant running such an extensive area dedicated to food and drink. Even with full room occupancy, it is very difficult to make running the hotel in its current guise profitable.
“In response to the requests and feedback from guests staying at the hotel, it is Mr McGrath’s intention to make changes to the hotel. Room rates at the current location have a limit and the passing trade has never reached the projected levels that were expected when the hotel was designed.
“In order to ensure that Mr McGrath can remain committed to providing quality accommodation at this site, we propose to increase the amount of bedrooms,” the application reads.
The McGraths also operate the ‘Bunk’ boutique hostel on Forster Street, and have a separate planning application lodged for 14 new en-suite rooms, common room, kitchen and dining space in place of office space on the first floor of Kiltartan House.
