Sir, - I have read a number of misleading and inaccurate letters in your paper recently concerning my proposed development of the Dalkey Island Hotel site and would appreciate an opportunity to clarify some false impressions.
The building is the same height and width as the existing hotel and is in the same location. Views will not be affected.
Public access to the harbour will be increased, not destroyed, as there will be an additional point of entry behind the restaurant. I will also be providing public toilets off the harbour.
Part of the proposal is for a large affordable restaurant which will allow all-year access to the views. There is also a viewing gallery on top of the restaurant which will be fully available to the public.
I am providing a large public car-park for visitors to the harbour. The current hotel car-park is private (for use of hotel patrons only), though I permit all types of visitors to use it at present.
The hotel site is private property and not a public facility. For a number of personal reasons, no matter what the outcome of the planning appeal, I will not continue the public aspects of the hotel, such as the function rooms and restaurants. What is on offer at present is the maximum public involvement in my site that is possible.
The hotel is not a "quaint Regency villa" or anything like it. I have employed a leading firm of architects, E. N. Smith and Kennedy, who have designed a marvellous (and expensive) building in copper and stone which will enhance the entire area.
I do not recognise most of the objectors' names and would have gone out of business a long time ago if I was dependent on their custom. I suspect that some of these people would also be the leading objectors if I was trying to get permission to erect a new hotel, at say, Bulloch Harbour in Dalkey. - Yours, etc., Jim Delaney,
Dalkey Island Hotel,
Coliemore Harbour,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.