Tuesday 16 January 2007

Killala hotel gets green light

The Western People tells us that Phow plans for the construction of an 82-bedroom hotel in the North Mayo town of Killala have been given the go-ahead.
Towers Hotel, which is part of a €30m development for Killala, is expected to open within the next 18 months after An Bord Pleanála gave the green light to the project at Townplots West in the North Mayo town.
Crossmolina developer, Richard Coggins, secured planning from Mayo County Council in April of last year subject to lengthy conditions but Mary Kelly of Green-park, Killala brought the development before the planning appeals board, thus halting construction at the time.
The board rejected its Inspector’s recommendation to deny permission, instead giving the go ahead for the two-storey hotel, which is set to provide 80 jobs.
The 6,257 square metres hotel will consist of 82 bedrooms, reception, conference room, lounge bar, function room and electric/plant room. The development also consists of the construction of access road, car park for 180 cars, coach parking and demolition of existing dwelling house and derelict sheds.
The board’s report pointed out that replies from the applicant and their agent were taken into account before considering that the conditions imposed would deal adequately with the inspector’s concerns.
The board was adamant that the development would not injure the amenities of the area or property in the vicinity and it would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.
It was also pointed out that the hotel would not be prejudicial to public health and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
However, the board did include twelve conditions for the applicant. Mr Coggins must pay a financial contribution in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area and another payment in respect of footpaths and lighting.
No advertisement or advertisement structure shall be erected or displayed on the building or within the curtilage of the site, public lighting shall be provided and extra landscaping shall be included, according to the conditions.
A hotel is badly needed in the Killala area and news that An Bord Pleanála gave the green light for the development is to be welcomed, according to Killala-based Fine Gael Councillor Jarlath Munnelly.
“There’s no hotel in the area and there’s plenty of room for a quality hotel in the North Mayo area.
“As long as any development is quality and will enhance the brand of the town I welcome it.”
Chairman of the Council for the West, Sean Hannick is also in favour of the project, insisting that every town needs a hotel.
“It’s an essential community facility. It will have a knock-on effect on other businesses and it will help facilitate the Faldo project when that gets under way. It ties in well for the town.”

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