Hotel

Earnings Hit €850k At Lough Eske Castle Hotel

By Dave Simpson
Earnings Hit €850k At Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Co. Donegal's five-star Lough Eske Castle hotel saw its earnings before interest, tax depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increase to €850,000 last year as revenues rose from €8.6 million to €8.9 million.

The Irish Independent reports that the hotel's employment numbers declined from 177 to 173 in 2017, with staff costs increasing from €4.1 million to €4.3 million while a rise in administrative expenses from €2 million to €4.1 million resulted in pre-tax profits decreasing 97% from €1.76 million to €40,547.

"A Positive Year Of Trading"

Commenting on the figures, Nick Doherty, finance director of Lough Eske parent company Harcourt Developments, said, "2017 was a positive year of trading for Lough Eske with revenues increasing by 4% and occupancy growing by 8%.

"We also moved to an operating model of full-time opening during the winter season, which has been well received by the market."

Like-For-Like Basis

Addressing the decline in pre-tax profits, Doherty added, "The hotel's profits in 2016 were boosted by exceptional items including the reversal of an historic refurbishment provision and the adjustment of other accruals.

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"On a like-for-like basis, operating profits have actually increased in 2017 due to overall improved trading conditions."

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