Paul and Karen Kelly of The Haven Hotel in Dunmore East joined Damien to discuss a major upgrade.

After a lengthy planning process, the couple was granted permission to build an underground function room that will overlook the water.

The new room will be built into a bank at the side of the hotel and feature a tunnel connecting the function room to the kitchen, an entrance from the hotel and outside, and a glass frontage that will overlook the sea.

An existing marquee has been granted retention planning for 18 months.

Building work is hoped to start in October 2023 and be completed by April 2024, 60 years after Jean and the late John Kelly opened the doors to the hotel.

Paul is fulfilling the dream of his father John, who had applied for planning permission to build a function room a few years ago. The function room had been planned for the opposite side of the hotel but the council denied his request.

To listen to the full conversation, click the link in this podcast.

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