The British-based Thistle Hotels group is to build a number of hotels, probably in city centre locations, in Ireland over the next five years.

But a company spokeswoman said yesterday that the locations had not yet been identified. The company announced a new £140 million joint venture with Morrison Construction Group yesterday to develop up to 10 hotels in Britain and Ireland.

The locations will be selected by Thistle while Morrisson will secure sites, obtain planning permission and provide development and construction services, including the design, construction and fit out.