Ryans rails at senior Bord Failte vacancies

Ryan Hotels' chairman, Mr Conor McCarthy, has raised "grave concerns" about the lack of senior management at Bord Failte. Speaking to shareholders at the group's annual general meeting in Dublin yesterday, Mr McCarthy, said its was worrying that the State agency charged with marketing Ireland abroad was without a chief executive and two senior marketing executives. Mr McCarthy was referring to the surprise departure of former director general, Mr Matt McNulty, last April, and those of former international marketing director, Mr Noel Toolan, and former general manager in Europe, Ms Orla Brannigan, over the past 12 months.

"I believe the current situation in Bord Failte threatens the security of employment of those in tourism. The strategic direction of the Irish tourist industry is not, in my view, receiving the attention it deserves" he said.

Mr McCarthy, added that the board "should be put in the position" where it can offer remuneration packages which are sufficient to attract the best people in the industry.

"It is of great concern that there does not appear to be progress being made in this area."

The chairman also commented on the "extraordinary" delay by the Government in reaching a decision on a convention centre for Dublin. The need for such a centre had long been recognised, he said, while welcoming the decision to put such a centre in the Dublin docklands area.

The Ryan hotel group has enjoyed an "excellent" year, he told shareholders. Business was growing strongly throughout the group, with demand in the Irish market particularly strong.

Its flagship hotel, the Gresham, is due to open a 100-bedroom extension in June. The company plans to add 850 new rooms to its Irish hotels, with a further 150 at its hotels in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

Shareholders were generally pleased with the group's performance, as the shares have performed well, but some still had gripes to raise with the board.

Shareholders urged the board to consider appointing a woman director, now that two long-serving members are to stand down.

Mr Andrew Flynn, said he was annoyed that he had been unable to get a "low fat" option at the hotel's restaurants. Another asked about the continued operation of Rumours nightclub at the Gresham following recent adverse publicity. Mr McCarthy told shareholders the matter was "under consideration" but was unable to make any further comment.