DUBLIN Ireland s Ryan Hotels reported a 4% rise in pre-tax profits, noting that it was confident it could make up ground lost in the current year to the impact of foot-and-mouth restrictions. The chain, which operates 10 hotels in Ireland, the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, posted year pre-tax profits of 9.3 million euros, or US $8.3 million, an increase of 21%.
The group said that restrictions brought in to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK and Ireland were affecting its operations, particularly in city center locations hit by the cancellation of sports events, conferences, and festivals. The company expects to make up lost ground once the clampdown relaxes. (4/26/01)