Mulranny loses multi-million pound investment as ...

23 September 1998

Hotel and communications centre project turned down

By Deirdre Kelly

A multi million pound plan to restore one of west Mayo's oldest landscapes, the former Great Southern Hotel in Mulranny, into a 75-bedroom hotel and 'European Centre for Communication and Education' has been turned down.

Planning permission for the development was refused by An Bord Pleanala following an appeal by An Taisce. The project was given the go ahead by Mayo County Council and there was no local opposition to it.

Now Christian Ludwig of developers Golden Park Developments Ltd says he will have to think hard about the future viability of the project. His options include forming a co-operative movement with locals, bringing in private investors, or selling the whole site.

The hotel which traded as the 'Mulranny Bay Hotel' until the end of the Eighties was built in 1896. The core project for its redevelopment included a 75-bedroom hotel, 20 hotel apartments, a health centre, facilities for a 'European Centre for Communication and Education', and auxiliary satellite projects based around the complex such as workshops, green shop, kindergarten and twenty holiday homes.

In its decision following the appeal by An Taisce, An Bord Pleanala said having regard for the location of the site in an area designated in the Mayo Development Plan as an Area of Special Scenic Importance, and under the Tree Protection Order, the project was considered by reason of its scale, design and layout and the extent of the removal of trees on the site, to be visually obtrusive and in conflict with the Development Plan. The development would seriously injure the amenities of the area and be contrary to the proper planning and development of the area.

In a statement Christian Ludwig said it had been regret that he heard of the decision and would now need some time to review his position with regard to the proposed development. To simply reapply for planning permission did not seem a feasible option at present.

Mr. Ludwig said he felt particularly sorry for the further implications the decision will have for Mulranny and its people.

A new strategy would now have to be devised and he said a suggestion could be made to the community in Mulranny to form a co-operative to establish the first 'European Centre for Communication and Education' in Ireland as well as the first hotel in Europe to be owned and run by a co-op.

A second option was to find new business partners who are interested in the Mulranny project and the concept of a co-operative with the local community.

The third option was to sell the entire sit to the highest bidder.

It was not an easy decision to make and it would not be made alone. Mr. Ludwig said the final decision will depend largely on the co-operation and offers received.

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - September 1998