Sam Field Corbett of Irish Ship & Barge Fabrication is searching for a joint investor to raise €2 million for the purpose of converting the four deck heritage ship, Naomh Éanna, into a boutique hotel/hostel, café and restaurant.
Should he succeed in procuring the proposed funding, Corbett then intends to transport the ship from its current resting place in a graving dock at the far end of Grand Canal Dock to a berth in close proximity to the CHQ building on Dublin's north quays.
The Irish Times reports that Corbett's plan for the ship is to refurbish it with sleeping space for up to 128 people as well as bestowing it with a micro-brewery and exhibits detailing the ship's history. Conversely, Corbett proclaimed hat it could also be turned into a 40-bedroom hotel at a development cost of €60,000 per room, which he claims would provide investors with a return of 6%.
