By Michelle Crean

The second phase of a major construction project - which, when complete, will cost a staggering €12m - is underway in a move to help retain hotel staff in Killarney.

DESIGN: The Europe Hotel & Resort have announced construction of Phase B of their employee accommodation facility. Photo: Gottstein Architects. Photo: Gottstein Architects

The Europe Hotel and Resort is currently undergoing construction of Phase B of The Lodges at The Europe, to help their employees stay in the town as a solution to the shortage of rental accommodation on offer.

In 2018, the company invested over €4.5 million into the first phase of The Lodges.

The second phase, which is now under construction, comes in line with the company’s continued commitment to their employees and being a quality employer.

Phase B will first see the demolition and removal of the old staff house followed by the construction of four new accommodation blocks boasting 40 generous en-suite rooms. Alongside the high-spec accommodation, this phase will also include a new state-of-the-art gym, bicycle storage, laundry facilities and indoor and outdoor recreational areas.

Following on from Phase B, 20 additional rooms will be added, subject to planning permission.

Once all phases have been completed, the total investment in employee accommodation will stand in excess of €12 million. The construction tender has been awarded to Kerry based firm, Kenmare Plant Hire who recently completed the expansion of the hotel’s car park and has been designed by local architect Achim Gottstein.

“We are very proud of our continued commitment to the comfort and well-being of our team. The construction of Phase B follows on from this year’s earlier announcement of the company’s Family Leave policy being extended to included Maternity, Adoptive and Paternity Leave payments for our employees. The company already offers extraordinary benefits to employees including an industry leading pension scheme, DIS benefit, dedicated in-house employee restaurant, employee discounts to name but a few,” Michael Brennan, Managing Director of Killarney Hotels Collection, said.

“With the shortage of rental accommodation in Killarney and staff in the hospitality sector we are committed to providing our hard-working and valued staff with the highest standard of on-site accommodation to help us retain and attract new employees to our hotels.”