PLANNING permission is being sought for a 27-bedroom extension at Hotel Doolin.
The extension would also include a new entrance and reception area, along with 28 new parking spaces. The area of the extension would be 1,688 square metres, over two floors.
A document accompanying the application points out that the hotel’s success, and that of the Wild Atlantic Way means additional capacity is required to cater for increased tourism.
“The hotel wishes to ensure that all tourists wishing to stay and provide economic stimulus in the area can be accommodated in a quality environment.”
It claims that without the additional accommodation there would be negative economic results for Doolin and West Clare.
Recent years have seen frequent complaints that Clare isn’t getting the benefit it should from the Cliffs of Moher, with many visiting and then leaving the county straight away.
The thrust of Clare’s tourism policy is now to address this issue, and the application says the new development would help keep visitors in the area longer.
“The extension of the hotel together with the existing facilities contributes to this objective by attracting and retaining tourists in the county in order to harness the economic benefits.”
It states that the extension would accommodate a bridal suite and spa, expanding the range of facilities on offer and improving the long term sustainability of the enterprise.
In relation to an existing commercial unit on the site, the application says it “will be maintained as part of this proposal”.
The commercial unit has been vacant on occasions and the extension to the hotel will act as a driver to increase tourism to the local area and as a result increase commercial activity. This will help the financial viability of the commercial unit going forward, the application claimed.
It stated that the extension will be designed to be sympathetic to the existing hotel, with all bedrooms and building layout arranged and sized in accordance with the relevant guidelines from Bord Fáilte, including Hotel Classification Scheme Registration.
“A significant design principle of the hotel bedroom design is integration with the proposed landscaping for both the amenity of the proposed and existing bedrooms,” the application states.
In addition, timber louvres will be utilised on upper floor windows to reduce any perceived over overlooking and for sun control.
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.