Hotel receiver says interest in Old Darnley Lodge

The receiver appointed to the Old Darnley Lodge Hotel in Athboy has said there has been some interest from a number of parties in the property. Receiver Gerry McInerney of McInerney Saunders was speaking at a meeting of the local community in Athboy on Thursday night called to discuss the future of the landmark hotel. Mr McInerney said he could understand the position of employees who were left in a most unfortunate position but his objective was to try and sell the property so it has the best chance of being re-opened as a hotel and which would continue to serve the community of Athboy. He said a number of people had been in touch with his office and there have been a number of parties who have expressed an interest. But because it was a receivership process, his duty was to expose the property to the wider market through an advertising campaign. Former staff members who are continuing their sit-in at the hotel said their protest would continue until such time as they received their redundancy entitlements. They have been occupying the hotel since it suddenly closed its doors on 16th January last. They have vowed to continue their sit-in for as long as it takes until they get what they are owed.