A three-year campaign by a group in Co Monaghan to block a holiday development on the shores of Lough Muckno has received a setback with An Bord Pleanala granting approval for the building of 51 dwellings near the lakeshore.
Approval for the chalets was initially granted by Castleblayney Urban District Council but later revoked as a result of a campaign by the Lough Muckno Action Committee. The committee opposed the development by a London-based Irish developer, Harin brook Properties Ltd.
The firm leased the Lough Muckno estate, which includes Hope Castle, from Monaghan County Council and announced plans to provide the holiday homes. It also proposed the construction of an 18-hole golf course which is being designed by Gary Player.
The protest group claimed the buildings posed an environmental threat and said the public right-of-way to the lake and park would be under threat. The issue divided the town and led to a High Court action which resulted in a legal bill of £50,000 facing the UDC.
The Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, yesterday turned down a request to meet a UDC delegation to discuss raising a loan to meet the bill. He said the local authority must make provision in this year's rates to raise the revenue.
Last night the chairman of Castleblayney UDC, Mr Jackie Crowe, said he hoped the decision would end the impasse.
Mr Joe Brennan, chairman of the Lough Muckno Action Committee, who is an Independent councillor, had tabled a motion for a UDC meeting last night seeking the nomination of a legal representative to examine the implications of the High Court action upon the local authority, but the meeting was adjourned as a result of a special meeting of Monaghan County Council being convened to discuss the latest development.
The council chairman, Mr Brendan Hughes, said: "We are delighted the planning appeals board has made its ruling, but it isn't being seen as a triumph for any side. Our earnest hope is to see the beauty spot fully developed for the community, providing a huge boost to our economy.
"There is no question of public access being restricted and all amenities will be for the benefit of all the people."