Concern over plans for hotel beside beach

Contentious plans to build a luxury spa-lodge hotel complex beside a Blue Flag beach have come under fire from An Taisce and locals in west Clare.

Last month, US-owned Ireland Land Development Ltd lodged plans for a 24-suite apart-hotel beside the beach at Killard White Strand, three miles from the €150 million Greg Norman designed golf resort at Doonbeg.

According to An Taisce's Blue Flag manager, Ms Aisling Keane, the "beautiful, sheltered, unspoilt beach of White Strand" is Ireland's best Blue Flag beach, and "a little piece of paradise".

The US backers of the spa-lodge venture claim their project will add to the tourism product of the area and help develop west Clare as a tourist destination.

The proposal has received the support of the local business community.

In a letter of support lodged with Clare County Council on behalf of the Doonbeg Business and Marketing Group, it states that the project is not only important to Doonbeg, but to west Clare as a result.

"The proposed health spa at Killard House is of equal importance to the Doonbeg golf course and such a positive investment should bring increased prosperity to west Clare."

However, the plan has also provoked opposition in the area.

A previous plan by the same company for a spa hotel at Killard was withdrawn last year in the face of strong opposition.

Ms Keane said yesterday that any major construction work near the beach could have an impact on the beach's Blue Flag designation.

An objection lodged by Mr Ger Harrington from Killard, Doonbeg, expresses concern for the Blue Flag designation at White Strand.

"White Strand is considered the foremost Blue Flag Beach in Ireland. Could there be any justification for putting this at risk?" he asked.

"The facility will generate effluent from all the various elements, in particular its swimming pool.

"In the event of any failure by the plant provided for this treatment, then the beach at the White Strand will suffer irreparable damage."

He warned that if the council did allow the development to proceed, it would set a dangerous precedent.

The council is due to make a decision on the application by Ireland Land Development Ltd next week.