New Hotel Planned for Dublin's College Green

Plans are underway for a significant new hotel development at the prestigious College Green in Dublin, signaling continued investment in the city's hospitality sector. Figs Properties Ltd, led by businessman Deepak Sharma, is set to lodge an application with Dublin City Council for a six-storey, 97-bedroom hotel. This ambitious project, situated at 30-33 College Green, which fronts onto Suffolk Street, will incorporate a new extension, a spa, gym, and ground-level dining and bar facilities. The development will be housed within a protected structure, highlighting the careful consideration required for such projects in historic areas.

This move by Sharma, who recently saw his company Vita Actives achieve substantial revenue and profit growth before its acquisition by Dairygold, underscores a confidence in Dublin's tourism and business landscape. The expansion plans for College Green are expected to enhance the area's offerings and potentially create new employment opportunities.

In parallel, the Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, part of the Sandman Hotel Group, has received the green light from Fingal County Council for an outdoor freshwater swimming pool. This development is part of a broader investment strategy by the Sandman Group since its 2019 acquisition of the hotel and golf links. The group has been actively upgrading facilities, with the swimming pool representing the next phase of enhancements aimed at improving the guest experience and amenity offering. The report accompanying the planning application emphasizes that the pool's design is modest and intended to integrate seamlessly with the existing landscape, ensuring a sensitive addition to the property.