Dromoland objects to hotel suite development close to golf course

The owners of Dromoland Castle have lodged an objection to an application for the development of hotel suites by a neighbouring hotel group adjacent to its grounds. They cited fears of unauthorised use of its new €5 million golf course.

The Clare Inn hotel, owned by the Lynch Hotel Group, has lodged plans to construct 12 hotel suites on lands adjoining Dromoland Castle, which played host to President Bush in June.

However, Dromoland Castle is objecting to the application, saying that since the provision of existing suites, there has been a sharp increase in unauthorised use of Dromoland golf course.

The company secretary for Dromoland Castle Holdings Ltd, Mr John O'Brien, states in a submission to Clare County Council that the issue is of serious concern given the major investment recently in upgrading the course, and the insurance implications.

It costs paying guests €100 to play the Ron Kirby and JB Carr-designed championship course on the 16th century Dromoland estate.

In its submission to the council, Dromoland has requested that if the Lynch Hotel Group is granted its application, the planning conditions include the erection of a fence along the boundary between the Clare Inn and the golf course.

"The location and design of the proposed suites relative to the golf-course boundaries have not considered the safety of the suite occupants from wayward golf balls in the vicinity," Mr O'Brien says in the submission to the planners.

He adds: "It is considered that the intensity of the development in close proximity to the amenity of Dromoland golf course is in contradiction of the South Clare Economic Corridor Local Area Plan and Clare County Development Plan, having regard to the visual impact of the proposal in the open countryside."

The upgraded golf course was completed last April.

On its website, the Lynch Hotel Group states that the Clare Inn is "located on Dromoland Castle's 18-hole golf course".

The Lynch Hotel Group yesterday declined to comment on the objection.

A decision is expected on the application later this month.