Neil Blaney
THE Milford Inn is to re-open for business next Friday, managed by Neil Blaney and his family on behalf of a group of investors. Up to 50 jobs could be created.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Mr Blaney confirmed the opening date and said he was now recruiting staff, in particular those former members of staff who had not secured work elsewhere.
The news has been welcomed locally with the local GAA club planning to hold their diner dance there on December 29.
Mr Blaney and his family owned the hotel when it went into voluntary liquidation in April 2012 leaving debts of €5 million.
It is believed the group of investors behind Mr Blaney may have agreed to pay in the region of €800,000 to acquire the property.
“The investors bought it and I am managing it for the company that is leasing it. It’s all about jobs and we would hope, subject to reasonable trading, we will be back employing between 40 and 50 people by next year,” Mr Blaney said.
Former staff of the hotel who lost their jobs last April, where possible, were given jobs throughout the rest of the Blaney Group. Those who are still unemployed and seeking work may get their old jobs back.
The Milford Inn was offered for sale in August 2012 on the instructions of liquidator Tom O’Brien of Mazars through estate agents Morrisseys.
In October of this year Morrisseys stated the hotel had been sold but it remained tight-lipped as to who the buyers were.
Only this week has Mr Blaney confirmed he will be managing the hotel on behalf of the investors.
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