This article is from page 15 of the 2007-07-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
DROMOLAND Castle has modified part of a €30 million extension plan for its prestigious hotel in response to concerns over the plan from Clare County Council.
The council’s reservations over the scheme follow Managing Director of the Lynch Hotel Group, Michael B Lynch lodging objections against both applications by Dromoland Castle.
The Lynch Group own the adjoin- ing Clare Inn Hotel and last year, Dromoland Castle was successful in Opposing expansion plans by the Clare Inn when An Bord Pleanala refused planning permission for the proposal.
In his objection, Mr Lynch states, ‘The piecemeal approach to develop- ment raises the question as to how in- tegrated development is on the site.
“Development that has occurred to date suggests a lack of proper inte- eration between the various facilities of the hotel.
“In the case of the application, a certain lack of integration is evident. In particular, the location of the pro- posed staff accommodation is some way from the castle. This approach to development is not sustainable and will ultimately lead to further devel- opment on the site.
In its request for further informa- tion, the council stated that it was “not favourably disposed towards”
eranting planning permission for the development for a number of rea- sons.
In response, the award-winning hotel state “the scale and design of the staff building has been modified to ensure satisfactory integration into the existing landscape’.
It states, “The 38 bedroom staff accommodation unit is required to provide a satisfactory level of ac- commodation to some of the staff working in the castle.”
It added, “Dromoland Castle cur- rently employs 200 people and there- fore the proposed staff accommoda-
tion unit will facilitate only a fraction of those currently employed. A high standard of accommodation is re- quired to attract the calibre of staff necessary for a five star hotel.”
In the applications lodged, the ho- tel is seeking to provide 32 short-rent apartments, a 38-unit accommoda- tion block for staff and the provision of a golf course operations facility.
A decision is expected on the ap- plication later this year.