This article is from page 32 of the 2008-02-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
THE Department of the Environ- ment has stated that a €100 million plan to convert a Killaloe health spa into one of the country’s leading re- sorts could have a negative impact on the Lough Derg Special Protection Area (SPA).
Former Killaloe doctor Paschal Carmody and his wife, Dr Freida Carmody sold Tinarana House to Limerick developers, Joe Hanrahan and John Shee in a multi-million euro deal.
Tinanara Ltd plans to convert the building into an integrated tourism, recreational and commercial devel-
opment. The developers state that 200 jobs will be created when the centre becomes operational, while a further 200 jobs will be generated during the construction phase.
The plan includes the refurbish- ment of Tinarana House; an 18-hole championship golf course; a spa and wellness centre; a 32-bedroom aparthotel; multi-purpose banquet- ing, function/conference facilities; 155 two bedroom short term accom- modation units and an equestrian holiday village
An Environmental Impact State- ment (EIS) is being lodged with the application and Tinarana Ltd are estimating that the resort will con-
tribute €30 million to the regional economy every year and €8 to €10 million to the local economy.
As part of the scoping process for the EIS, the developers contacted the Department of the Environment and An Taisce for their views on the project prior to the plans being lodged.
Inresponse, the department claimed that the development had the poten- tial to have “significant negative impacts on Lough Derg SPA and its conservation objectives, particularly at construction stage.”
The department and An _ Taisce have yet to lodge submissions to Clare County Council.
However the developers maintain that the proposal is a realisation of a unique development opportunity afforded by the natural and historic characteristics of the property.
They say the proposal is similar to the concept of Doonbeg golf club, but unlike Doonbeg is not a green- field development, but is similar to Dromoland Castle in that it will be an extension of an existing commer- cial and tourism related product.
Clare developers, Sean Lyne, who iS an investor in