Developer John Lally is already big into hotels, having opened Hiltons in Limerick and Kilmainham, but his most ambitious project is to come with the redevelopment of Humewood in Wicklow as a five-star hotel.

He's just lodged planning for a €250 million revamp of the Gothic pile which he bought from Renata Coleman for over €25 million. The 450-acre estate will have a separate 120-bedroom hotel, and 89 holiday homes, the inevitable spa and golf course and facilities for weddings and conferences. Lally's company Lalco is busy these days with various residential and office developments on the go between Dublin, Athlone and Limerick. This can only be a good thing for Humewood which needs vast amounts of money to make it work. It's a blessing, too, for this particular part of Wicklow which is fairly remote and could do with a star attraction.