US company Starwood Hotels is extending its reach in Ireland with the decision to open a high-end hotel and golf resort under its Sheraton brand at Fota Island, Co Cork.
The construction of the five-star complex is largely complete and Bandon-based group Fleming Construction is funding building costs of €150-€200 million. Controlled by Co Cork businessman John Fleming, the group's biggest previous hotel project was the Inchydoney Lodge and Spa near Clonakilty in west Cork.
Starwood will run the Fota complex - the first in Ireland under the well-known Sheraton brand - under a management contract with Fleming.
The company's first Irish hotel was the Westin in central Dublin, which opened in 2001. It also employs more than 300 people at a call centre in Cork for its network of European hotels.
"Starwood has been very keen to increase our presence in this vibrant market," said Starwood's area manager for Ireland, Enda Mullin.
He said that 100 jobs will be created when the complex opens. "Our recruitment drive has already started and the next phase will be local and national advertising to invite potential candidates to come and meet us in early February."
The 133-room hotel will have a swimming pool, treatment rooms and spa facilities, in addition to a new nine-hole golf course.
Fleming is also building 281 residential lodges on the complex, which will be marketed for holiday use. A planning application for a marina development is with An Bord Pleanála.
Séamus O'Mahony, a director of the Fota golf course, said the entire complex will be open in time to host the AIB Irish Seniors tournament in June.
Mr Fleming bought the golf club and surrounding lands from Killeen Leisure Group in November 2004.
