Construction work is underway in converting a former nursing home in Salthill into a hostel catering for more than 50 people.
Dubai-based businessman Steven Mayne was granted permission for the changeover of the former Pointe Boise building.
The hostel will cater for a total of 54 guests in 50 single beds and two doubles in a total of 23 bedrooms.
Planners approved the application, but ordered that a proposed smoking area with three tables to the front of the building be omitted and a revised location must be agreed with the Council “in the interest of protecting the visual and residential amenity”.
They have also stipulated that a deposit must be taken from patrons, which will be forfeited in the event of a breach of noise or disturbance controls.
“The single beds will be proportioned throughout the building with 19 en suite dormitories containing two single beds each and a further 2 en suite dormitories containing six single beds each. In addition, there will be 2 double bedrooms containing two double beds,” the application reads.
There will be three part-time and three full-time staff employed at the hostel.
“The hostel will employ staff of authority who will be present 24 hours a day, as a result, all activities in the communal areas will be under constant supervision so as to avoid any anti-social behaviour which may occur.
“There will be a full self-service/self-catering system in place for the guests, in which guests will have access to the communal kitchen and dining/recreational area.
“The main dining/recreational area to the ground floor will have occupancy capable of accommodating all guests at any one time, be it for dining or recreational use,” the application reads.
Mr Mayne, an Australian national who runs several businesses in Dubai, bought the former Pointe Boise nursing home in 2014 for a figure believed to be in the region of €700,000-€800,000
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