Council supports development of Ogonnelloe estate

Clare County Council is supporting the principle of a major tourism development in a well-known Ogonnelloe estate, despite a ruling from An Bord Pleanála, which turned down a €100 million project.

One of the tourism objectives contained in the new Clare County Development Plan commits the council to facilitate the development of Tinerana Estate as a tourism product.
This statement could be viewed by potential developers as a major boost if any fresh plans are lodged to transform the late 19th century Victorian house on 246 acres of land, on the shores of Lough Derg between Ogonnelloe and Killaloe, into a flagship tourism development.
County manager, Tom Coughlan pointed out that regardless of the stated objectives in the plan, any new development proposal would have to satisfy the normal planning criteria before permission could be granted.
A Limerick-based company that purchased the estate from former Killaloe doctor Paschal Carmody and his wife Dr Frieda Keane Carmody in 2006, were forced to scrap their plans following a successful appeal by An Taisce in 2009.
The board ruled the proposed development, which was previously granted by the council, would be located in a rural area designated as visually vulnerable in the 2005 Clare County Development Plan beside a road, which was a scenic route.
The project included refurbishment of Tinarana House, comprising 30 two-bedroom accommodation units, multi-purpose banqueting, function/conference facilities, spa and wellness centre, 130 two bedroom short term accommodation units, 18 hole championship golf course designed by international golf course designer Jeff Howes and an equestrian holiday village.
It was expected that the project would create 200 jobs during construction and 100 permanent jobs when completed. The developers predicted a further 100 people would be employed on a part time basis during the high season.
One of the key objectives of the plan is the development of a strategy for tourism development in Lough Derg and to facilitate the development of a flagship tourism project for the area.
The new plan notes that tourism remains relatively underdeveloped in East Clare, despite the benefit of having a diverse range of tourism resources.
The council will seek to ensure that this area realises its full potential by encouraging niche tourism products such as facilities for water sports and outdoor activity centres, wellness and self development facilities, spa and health facilities and agri-tourism.
However, it warns that any project along the shores of Lough Derg should be accompanied by an ecological impact assessment to inform a Habitat Directive Assessment where required.
The aim of the plan is to develop and enhance sustainable eco-tourism products, support the development of outdoor pursuits such as walking and mountain-biking, facilitate sustainable marina development and associated amenities at appropriate locations inside and outside of settlements along Lough Derg and to enhance cultural musical and heritage tourism.
Meanwhile, Councillor Tony Mulcahy has proposed the Lough Derg hinterland should be vigorously promoted as a leisure destination as part of a national drive to attract more tourists.
The Clare Fine Gael ­General Election Candidate stressed this initiative could be boosted by encouraging more airline services through Shannon Airport, particularly from Continental Europe.
“Lough Derg is one of the country’s major natural ­resources, offering great ­potential for water-based ­leisure pursuits and ­complementary land-based activity holidays. East Clare communities in the ­vicinity of the lake such as ­Killaloe, Mountshannon, Clonlara, O’Brien’s Bridge and Scariff are in prime position to capitalise on this potential”
He noted that international tourists are increasingly seeking out emerging destinations that offer good activity-based holidays in rural settings that are close to nature and which involve close contact with local people.
“Visitors from the Continent are particularly keen on the kind of activities and features that East Clare and Lough Derg have to offer, such as boating and other water sports, angling, walking, cycling, wildlife and a network of small attractive lakeside centres.
“If a concerted effort is made by all interests, ranging from the trade and local communities to the relevant state agencies, to put together attractive holiday packages, it could help to create sufficient customer demand for new airline services between mainland Europe and Shannon,” he added.