Reopening of Marine Hotel will create 26 new Ballycastle jobs

Mr Hamilton, speaking following a visit to the hotel, said: “This is very significant and timely boost for tourism in the Causeway Coast and Glens, one of our most popular regions. In addition to the employment that this investment will provide, the hotel will offer quality accommodation for visitors to Ballycastle and the surrounding area.

“Our support for the company’s ambitious plans underlines Invest NI’s commitment to the development of the tourism infrastructure here and to the creation of much needed employment opportunities.

“The investment will also bring business opportunities to local suppliers, particularly in food and drink, who will now be able to showcase their products to visitors to this region.”

Invest NI has offered support through its Jobs Fund.

Colum McLornan and Claire Hunter, both experienced hospitality industry professionals, acquired the hotel in March 2013 following its closure in 2010.

Mr McLornan, outlining the company’s future plans, said: “We are delighted to be reopening the Marine Hotel which was such an important part of the hospitality business in Ballycastle for so many years. We have exciting investment plans to develop the facilities and services as a premium three-star hotel.

“Overall, we plan to spend almost £700,000 on the hotel, services and people over the next few years including the reopening of its leisure facilities.

“We are confident that the hotel will prove attractive to a great many visitors to the nearby Giant’s Causeway and, of course, the Glens of Antrim as well as providing a broad range of services in the locality. We are also very well placed to market our facilities and services to many visitors from Scotland using the ferry link in the summer months.”