An eight-year legal battle which began as opposition to a proposal to erect a visitors centre at Mullaghmore in the Burren, Co Clare, ended yesterday when the High Court was told that terms had been drawn up to restore the site in accordance with agreed reinstatement works.
Members of the Burren Action Group had challenged the plans to open the interpretative centre and have been involved in long-running litigation with the Commissioners of Public Works in the High Court and the Supreme Court. The visitors centre was never built and huge sums were spent on legal proceedings.
Mr John Rogers SC, for the action group, told Mr Justice Flood yesterday that he was pleased to say that the matter had been completely disposed of. He asked that the court direct the respondents to restore the site in accordance with a schedule of reinstatement works. The latest court proceedings were over claims by the group for the removal of some equipment and facilities which had been installed at the disputed site.
The reinstatement works, which are to be completed by May 30th, 2001, provide for the complete removal of tarmac at car and coach parks and the removal of the hardcore to a depth of 300 mm. Existing mounds around the car-parks are to be removed and spread over the car-parks as appropriate. Two large boulders are also to be removed. There is provision for the removal of sewage treatment concrete tanks and foul drainpipes. Concrete surface water pipes on a part of the site are to remain and be plugged and all surface water pipework within the car park areas is to be removed.
A service access road is to be filled and left level with mounds on either side of it. Road-widening between Crag Road cross and the entrance to the main car park is to be reinstated appropriately.
The proceedings were taken by Ms Emer Colleran, Galway; Ms Lelia Doolan, Kinvara, Co Galway; Ms Finola McNamara, Corofin, Co Clare; Mr James Howard; Mr P.J. Curtis; Mr Patrick McCormack and Father John O'Donoghue from nearby areas of Co Clare.
Ms McNamara said she was pleased with the outcome. The restoration work was in character with the surrounding area, she said.
Mr Justice Flood heard the case yesterday as he had been dealing with the case previously. He has been presiding at the planning tribunal but returned to the High Court yesterday to hear the case as he is due to retire as a judge next weekend.