Humewood Estate in Kiltegan could be in line for a huge €250 million investment which would create 500 building jobs and result in one of Wicklow's major tourism resorts.
Development firm Lalco recently bought Humewood and have submitted plans to Wicklow County Council to develop the 450-acre site. The plans include the restoration of the original castle into five-star luxury accommodation, including the construction of a 120-bedroom hotel adjacent to the existing castle.
The move has been warmly welcomed by most of the local community and could prove a real tourism and business boost to Kiltegan and surrounding areas.
Tom Fortune, Chairperson of Wicklow Tourism, certainly thinks so.
It's fantastic news and would make for a tremendous tourist attraction. It's ideal for the west of Wicklow as well and if they are successful with their development plans, then tourists from all over the world and Ireland will end up visiting that part of the county. It's certainly the sort of thing we at Wicklow Tourism would be fully behind,' he stated.
In the past the estate has been popular amongst sporting parties, providing horse-riding, fishing and shooting. But the plans currently submitted with Wicklow County Council include an 18 hole golf course and indoor golf clinic, driving range and club house facilities, a 20,000 square feet luxury destination spa facility, equestrian centre, and outdoor pursuits like tennis, archery, bikes and trails.
It's estimated around 500 new jobs would be created during the construction phase, with a further 200 long-term jobs created for the running of the estate. Subject to planning permission, the development is expected to be completed within three years.
Deputy Billy Timmins is also very supportive of the development, but warned it was important that any plans kept the integrity of the estate intact.
Wicklow People
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