This article is from page 14 of the 2006-05-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
PLANS to redevelop the Burren Exposure interpretative centre on the outskirts of Ballyvaughan have hit a stumbling block.
Clare County Council has refused two of four applications by Christy and Pauline Quill to redevelop the business, now known as Burren House. The Quills – who operate six Quills Ireland outlets in the Cork-Kerry region – purchased the business last June for close to €3 million. However, the interpretative centre has operated at a loss for the past eight years and no longer operates, while the Whitethorn Restaurant also made a loss in the last financial year.
In a submission on the need to transform the enterprise and provide more commercial space, the Quill’s consultants state that the main rationale for the additional retail space “is to subsidize the existing uses and ensure the viability of the enterprise.”
The submission states, “Without the proposed changes of use and the extension of commercial display area, our client will not be able to re-open the centre given its financial performance.”
The Quills lodged four applications: to change the use of the Burren Exposure from exhibition space to commercial space and exhibition; construct an extension to the sales area; construct an extension to the existing Whitethorn restaurant; and convert a boathouse for accommodation.
The plans sought to increase commercial space at Burren House by 235 square metres. The original centre was built in 1990 as a craft centre and restaurant and in 1997 an interpretative centre was added.
Christy Quill told The Clare People , “We intend to re-submit one of the applications and are confident it will get through.
“The restaurant and craft shop are going very well and our plan is to use the space occupied by the interpretative centre. I believe that what we are doing will enhance the site and the village and I don’t see us setting up in opposition to anyone else.”
The council refused planning permission to the two related retail applications.
“The council granted permission to the Whitethorn, concluding that it wouldn’t injure the amenities of the vicinity having regard to the rural nature, intended use and policies of the Clare County Development Plan.”