Prime Dublin landmark, the Shelbourne Hotel, may shut its doors for 18 months for a major overhaul after 180 years in operation, it emerged today.
Hotel management have informed unions, as well as the 227 employees, that the owners are seeking to close the premises on St Stephen's Green as a preferred option during the multi-million euro overhaul.
"If they are going to close the hotel we will be providing redundancy money," a spokeswoman for the Shelbourne Hotel said.
The hotel, which was bought by the Marriott hotel group last year, is considering firing its 227 workers and rehiring staff after the refurbishment is finished.
"That is one of the options," the spokeswoman said. The management have been meeting with staff and unions today to negotiate the options.
Around 165 of the staff are full-time workers with many serving the historic hotel for a considerable time period.
A spokeswoman for SIPTU, which represents many of the staff, said: "We are concerned as many people employed in the hotel are long-serving employees, some with up to 40 years service.
"I think it is clear the hotel will be closed as they have looked at refurbishment while staying open but it would cause disruption.
"The staff are worried they may be brought back on contract rather than full-time permanent staff as they are now."
The overhaul is designed to ensure the hotel's five-star classification.
In July of last year Failte Ireland proposed to reduce the Shelbourne Hotel from a five-star rating to four-stars.
However, the Shelbourne Hotel opted to remain unclassified as it undertook the major renovation programme.
PA