Moate hotel to reopen for food today

Another well-known local business is reopening to the public today (Friday) in Moate.

The Grand Hotel on the town's Main Street is welcoming back its customers for dining from lunchtime today.

The reopening of the hotel is happening on a phased basis, with overnight stays there expected to resume in the coming weeks.

From today, Jacks Bar and Bistro at the hotel is open for lunch all weekend.

Claffey's Steakhouse will then open tomorrow and for the rest of the weekend as normal.

In a message on its Facebook page, the Grand Hotel said its "absolute first priority" was the safety of its guests and staff.

"We always have high standards for cleanliness and hygiene in place, but in response to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, we have elevated those standards even higher in an effort to maintain a more sterile environment for our guests and our team," said the hotel.

"We have made changes to make our hotel safer, without diminishing the atmosphere and friendly service."

The hotel's staff added that they were looking forward to welcoming the public again over the weekend.