A €200 million tourism project is set to create up to 800 jobs in Kinsale, Co Cork, according to the Minister for Enterprise, Mr Martin.
XCES Projects, an international property development consortium, yesterday announced plans for the proposed development, which will be located on a 650-acre site near Kinsale.
If planning permission is granted, the project will create 350 full-time jobs at the new Kinsale Harbour Resort.
This will include a 200-room, five-star hotel, an 18-hole golf course and an indoor and outdoor equestrian arena.
An estimated 450 indirect jobs are expected to be created in the Kinsale area as a result of the investment.
A further 300 people will be employed in the three-year construction phase, estimated to cost €160 million.
The Kinsale Harbour Resort is a collaboration between Cork company XCES Projects, Hyatt International and PGA Golf Management.
It will include a five-star Hyatt hotel and holiday resort lodges with conference facilities and a spa. A PGA golf management-operated 18-hole, 260-acre championship golf course and an indoor and outdoor equestrian complex are also among the proposals.
Welcoming the announcement in Cork yesterday, Mr Martin said the proposed investment was a major boost for tourism in the southern region.
"Such an integrated, premium, multi-purpose investment will add substantial value to the Irish tourism product. There is the potential for 800 direct jobs and spin-off jobs. This identifies Cork as a good, attractive location and I am very pleased about it."
Mr Martin said it is estimated that in first year of stabilised operation the project will attract 82,600 visitors, with an annual spend in the local economy in the region of €100 million.
Mr David Dean, senior management executive of PGA Golf Management, said the Kinsale Harbour Resort was set to become one of the most sought-after golf resorts in Europe.
"The unique combination of the resort facilities, the location and the headland setting of the golf course will be stunning," he said.
"PGA Golf Management is delighted to be responsible for managing the golf facilities. We are looking forward to working with XCES projects, Hyatt International and European Golf Design in making the resort a success."
The project is to be overseen by Henry J Lyons Architects. The aim of the project is to blend the hotel and golf course with the local environment and landscape.
The golf course has been designed to follow the existing contours of the site. The 260-acre site was previously Kinsale racecourse.
