The Belmore Court Motel at Dublin Road, Enniskillen is to undergo a £1.4m development which will provide a 24 bedroom and 5 apartment extension to its existing facilities. The development is due to be completed in time for Easter 2008.

"It will effectively double the current accommodation stock available at the Tempo Road site", its proprietor, Terry McCartney said this week.

The Motel has been in operation since 1990, having been opened by Terry's father, Raymond, a well-known hotelier. He previously owned the Killyhevlin Hotel, and the Lough Erne Hotel, Kesh.

The Belmore Court is currently managed by Terry, who bought his father out and took over the day to day running of the motel on his return from England in 1995.

The £1.4 million development has been designed by Keys and Monaghan, Architects, Irvinestown.

Their plans will mean the top floor of the new building will house self catering apartments in one and two bedroom configurations available for short term use or longer term lease.

Mr McCartney acknowledged that the market had evolved since the conception of the Belmore Court Motel. However, the family market had always been key for the motel sector and would continue to be.

"Tourism in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Fermanagh is on the increase and we feel that our new development is the perfect complement to the accommodation mix that is provided within Enniskillen and the surrounding area.

"The addition of 24 rooms increases the range of markets we can attract. Enniskillen is well on the way to becoming one of the most desirable holiday and business destinations in Ireland. The local economy and its infrastructure can benefit greatly from these upward trends, and it is important that the tourism sector is seen as a genuine economic force with a major contribution to make", he added.