This article is from page 10 of the 2006-07-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
PLANS by one of Ireland’s best-known writers, Fintan O’Toole, to more than quadruple the size of his second home near the north Clare village of Ballyvaughan, have been described by An Taisce as “criminal”.
An Taisce has lambasted the plans by the Dubliner stating, “We have been requested by the locals to object to the design of the development, which they nd is not in keeping with the landscape and could be likened to an infection on the west coast road and is unacceptable and criminal.”
The Clare Association of An Taisce states that it is objecting to the proposal “as the design and size is not in keeping with the landscape. It lies along a protected coastline within the Burren Complex and along a scenic route and would be visually obtrusive and the density is not in keeping with the original dwelling, nor is its design”.
The O’Tooles purchased the modest two bedroom home overlooking Galway Bay in 2002 and the author does much of his writing there.
The broadcaster and columnist is seeking to increase the oor area from 39 sq metres to 180 sq metres with a split level extension that includes a living room, kitchen and additional bedroom. The plan also includes a rst oor study and a at roof that would include a planted wild Irish ower garden surrounded by wood decking.
The opposition from An Taisce to the proposed development is ironic as Mr O’Toole has supported An Taisce in the past against attacks from politicians.
Mr O’Toole yesterday expressed regret over the language used by An Taisce in its objection.
“I don’t see how the rational discussion of the place of contemporary architecture in sensitive landscapes is furthered by labelling people who try to put forward responsible plans as part of an open and democratic planning process as criminals . . . For more than 20 years now, we’ve spent a great deal of time in Ballyvaughan and hope to live there eventually. The house is not intended primarily as a holiday home, but as a place to write – most of my last book, White Savage, was written there.
Clare County Council has stated that it has a number of concerns over the proposed development. A decision on the application is expected later in the year.