Board rejects Dunboyne Castle centre

A proposal by Séamus Ross's Menolly Homes to construct a neighbourhood centre at Dunboyne Castle in Co Meath has been rejected by An Bord Pleanála.

Menolly Homes lost its first party appeal to the planning board following Meath County Council's decision to refuse permission for the neighbourhood centre. Menolly Homes argued that the neighbourhood centre would serve the large residential scheme it is building in the grounds of the castle.

The well-known development company was looking to build a medical centre, commercial building, crèche and 76 car-parking spaces. It contended that the centre had to be of sufficient scale and size to be viable and to meet the needs of residents of Dunboyne Castle and grounds.

There will eventually be over 540 residential units in the grounds of the castle.

Menolly Homes also owns the €40 million Dunboyne Castle hotel and spa complex .

However, An Bord Pleanála upheld the local authority's decision and refused permission because the site is zoned for "necessary community, recreational and educational facilities".

The development would also "injure the amenities of the area" and of property in the vicinity, and would contravene the local development plan.