THE Northern Ireland Tourist Board has refused funding assistance to a developer who had proposed to open a small hotel in the heart of the Falls Road area of Belfast.
However, following further representations and protests by a local Sinn Fein councillor, Mr Mairtin O Muilleoir, the tourist board has agreed to discuss the plan with the developer.
The plan was for a £700,000 hotel of 15 to 20 bedrooms in the Beechmount area. However, company director Mr Arthur Rooney was told by the tourist board that funding priority is for large hotels.
Mr O Muilleoir said the hotel was much needed and would have said "West Belfast is open for business."