|
Rival developers in £2m. cinema row By Tom Kelly Two rival property developers are involved in an unprecedented head-to-head over the establishment of Mayo's first £2m. multiplex cinema complex. Contracting firm bosses Joe Mulroy and Tony McHugh have both been granted planning permission for state-of-the-art cinemas on separate sites in Castlebar. Barcastle Industries Limited, which is headed by Mr Mulroy, wants to build a five-screen facility on a section of the old Bacon Factory site in the town. He is being backed by film distributors, Tony O'Connor Promotions. Over a mile away, along the same stretch of the N5 roadway, Cavendish Lane Properties, of which Mr McHugh is the leading shareholder, have plans to erect a six-screen cinema near the new Dunnes Stores extension. Mr McHugh's development has the backing of the Ward Anderson firm of film distributors. So concerned was the planning office of Castlebar Urban Council not to give an advantage to one developer over the other, official sanctioning was given to both projects within four days of one another. Now the story has taken another fascinating twist with the announcement that appeals have been lodged to An Bord Pleanala against either developments proceeding. Limerick-based planner Brian Ahern, acting on behalf of Mr Mulroy, issued the appeal against the McHugh proposal. He was successful in appealing an earlier application by Cavendish Lane Properties for a cinema on the Knockacroghery site. At the same time, Leo Ward, who is associated with the Ward Anderson Group, has filed an objection against the Mulroy project at Gorteendrunagh. Because of the stalemate and complicated nature of the situation, it is feared the only way the matter can be resolved is in the High Court. |
