THE ONLY hotel on the largest of the three Aran Islands off the Co Galway coast has been granted a drinks licence after An Garda Síochána and several islanders withdrew an objection to its renewal.
But management at Óstán Árann in Kilronan has been told to respect its neighbours after two objectors opposed the renewal.
Previous court sittings heard complaints of late-night drinking and loud music. Nine residents, including teachers and a GP, were joined by the Garda in opposing the licence renewal last year.
A special court sitting on Inis Mór last year heard that gardaí had been ignored by hotel management as they repeatedly asked for the bar to be closed, while revellers arrived from bars that had closed, walked past them and were served up until 3am.
Judge Mary Fahy heard yesterday that while the situation had improved, some problems still exist. A recent wedding caused disruption to neighbours with gardaí having to call to the hotel to have loud music stopped at 2.45am.
But Insp Brendan O’Carroll said the Garda was withdrawing its objection as efforts had been made by management. A number of residents withdrew their objections, while others did not appear at the Kilronan District Court sitting.
Residents Geraldine Sharkey and Mary Quinn objected to the renewal. Mrs Quinn, who lives beside the hotel, said she had to put cotton wool in her son’s ears to help him sleep recently because of loud music in the hotel.
Mrs Quinn said that at a recent wedding, the band had stopped playing at 1.50am and then disco music started at 1.55am.
The judge, granting the licence, said “management must have regard for neighbours and there should not be any music after 2am”.