Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company is seeking expressions of interest to operate a “Flotel” in Dun Laoghaire Harbour.  

According to a notice posted yesterday on the Goverment's etender website, operators are sought to run a “Flotel” in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Responses, according to the notice, are required by July 26th. The link to the notice is here. 

Harbour Company executive Carolyn Hanaphy has told Afloat.ie that the company 'enivsages a five star cruise ship as a flotel in the harbour', such as the SunBorn flotel in Canary Wharf, London.

Flotels are typically used as hotels on rivers or in harbour areas, or as accommodation for workers. They are also used in the offshore oil industry, mining industry or in environmental or natural emergencies.

Flotel accomodation varies but the Sunbourn example cited by DLHC features 'Polished, classic rooms have en suite bathrooms and feature flat-screen TVs and free WiFi, plus touch-pad room controls'.  is The upgraded yacht, moored at London's Docklands, also has suites add sitting areas or living rooms and soaking tubs. 

Meanwhile, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company is awaiting a decision by an Bord Pleanala on its proposals for a new cruise liner berth in the harbour.

There is little or no regular commercial traffic at the harbour since the withdrawal of the Dun Laoghaire – Holyhead Stena service, a route that had a 200–year history.

Amsterdam's botel