Plans to develop a cave, which contains what is believed to be the world's largest free-hanging stalactite, as a tourist attraction in Co Clare suffered a setback yesterday.
This follows An Bord Pleanála upholding claims made by An Taisce and the Pól an Íonáin Action Group that works carried out at the Pól an Íonáin cave near Doolin are not exempt development under planning legislation.
Last year, the action group secured a High Court injunction stopping the excavation works by developers John and Helen Browne of Roadford, Doolin, continuing at the cave fearing that the works could damage the seven-metre long "Great Stal".
Now, the planning appeals authority has ruled the works are not exempt due to their extent, permanent nature and interference with a scenic route identified for preservation in the Clare County Development Plan.
Yesterday's decision is the latest twist in a decade-long battle between the Brownes and the Pól an Íonáin Action Group over plans to open the cave to the public and to locate a visitor centre, restaurant and space for 70 cars on the six-acre site.
Permission was granted for the plan in 1991. However, the Brownes failed to develop it after becoming involved in a land dispute with a local farmer.
A spokesman for the action group yesterday said: "We have always contended that the works carried out to date were far in excess of anything envisaged by the legislature when they created the various exempted development categories in the planning legislation."
The Brownes were unavailable for comment.
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