Another Douglas business reopens following the August fire

Another establishment affected by the Douglas fire has reopened in new premises. 

J. Barter Travel, which was located adjacent to Marks & Spencer has been closed since August 31, after a fire tore through the multi-storey car park of Douglas Village Shopping Centre. 

The travel agent has now managed to make an alternative arrangement and has opened at 7 Clermont, Douglas Road - adjacent to Allcare Pharmacy.

Speaking to The Echo, Marketing Manager, Ines Caramelo said the business is delighted to have a Douglas base once again. “We are currently renting the premises on the Douglas Road. It’s hopefully a temporary arrangement as we do plan on moving back to our original Douglas branch in Douglas Village Shopping Centre when it eventually reopens but we are delighted to have opened at a new location in the meantime.” 

“It’s all the same staff and the same contact details for the Douglas branch so it’s very much business as usual.” 

 It could be next August before the centre reopens as partial demolition work is required before the car park can be rebuilt. Closed for over eight weeks following the fire, Ines extended her sincere thanks to the Maryborough Hotel & Spa who dedicated a space for J. Barter Travel to meet with clients following the devastating fire. 

The Cork-based business is the oldest travel agency in Ireland and has developed from its early days as a shipping agent to offer everything from river cruising to Camino walks to its customers. The head branch of J. Barter Travel is located on 92 Patrick Street where they have been tenants for more than 100 years.

The news that J. Barter’s Douglas branch has opened at a new Douglas location, follows after Falvey’s Pharmacy and Plum Nail Bar reopened their original premises last month. Businesses in Douglas are also expected to benefit from Cork City Council’s proposed extension to the parking breaks for public parking areas in Douglas Village. 

Two hours free parking is set to be implemented from Monday, November 11 until Tuesday, December 31. The scheme will also see parking become free on Saturdays from November 30 to December 28. The new parking arrangements will also see no charges on all Sundays, Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day and New Year’s Day.