The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
A POPULAR Lahinch hotel has applied for planning permission for a new bar and restaurant.
An application has been lodged with Clare County Council, seeking permission for alterations at the Lahinch Coast Hotel.
Blue Chip Investments Limited has made the application, and a letter accompanying it says, “The subject site is situated in Lahinch town centre, with the premises formerly in use as a nightclub which formed part of the Lahinch Coast Hotel.
“Despite its prominent town centre location, the premises has remained vacant for over ten years, which has negatively impacted the vibrancy, viability and economy of the wider town centre.”
It says the development would include “the demolition of a portion of the buildings northern facade to accommodate the provision of an outdoor dining area and other elevational changes including ancillary awning, service/plant equipment at roof level and fenestration changes.”
It said that the layout of the bar/restaurant had been designed by Paul Haffey Design, whose previous projects include the Ashe Hotel and Restaurant in Tralee, the Taphouse Bar Restaurant in Limerick and Tradehouse Bar/Restaurant in Ballincollig.
In Clare, they designed the ground floor of the renovations of the Lahinch Coast Hotel carried out in 2019 and Gallaghers Bar & Restaurant in in Bunratty.
The letter claimed there will be important benefits for Lahinch.
“The proposed redevelopment of the existing premises will result in the provision of a new and contemporary bar/restaurant in Lahinch, serving locals and tourists alike with an attractive outlet for dining and socialising.
“The bar/restaurant will assist in creating local employment opportunities in the hospitality sector, representing a positive investment in the local economy and hospitality industry.
“It is noted that there is a shortage in food and beverage hospitality outlets in Lahinch, particularly at busier times of the year when the town benefits from an increase in tourists visiting the area’s many attractions.
“The proposed development will assist in addressing this shortfall and result in re-integration of a long term vacant commercial property into active use.”
It claimed that the development will operate more discreetly than the late bar/nightclub on the site previously.
The application says that the development would create ten full time jobs, with 15-20 part time seasonal positions.
