An alternative proposal for visitor facilities put forward by Shannon Development to serve the Cliffs of Moher "is not a sustainable approach and completely undermines the vision of the local community for the area".
That is the view of planning consultant, Mr Brendan McGrath who yesterday opened Clare County Council's case seeking the go-ahead for its €15 million visitor facility at the world-renowned attraction.
The centre, described at the Bord Pleanála hearing by architect, Donogh O'Riordan as "an ingenious solution to the challenges posed by its location" is to be built into the hillside and comprises an audio-visual theatre, a restaurant and exhibition area.
On the first day of the hearing in Ennis, Shannon Development described the council proposal "as flawed and inappropriate".
It put forward its own proposal involving the almost complete removal of the car-park and tea-rooms and putting in place a Park and Ride scheme. The company said it is willing to sacrifice the €1.8 million it generates per annum from the tea-rooms to put this in place.
Mr McGrath said yesterday there is no environmental or landscape reasons to justify a departure from the council's policy of developing the centre.
He said: "I have no doubt that the proposal is a more sustainable option than the concept now being advocated by Shannon Development, which would significantly reduce the appeal of the site for a large number of potential visitors."
In an earlier submission on behalf of Shannon Development, planning consultant, Simon Clear requested that the precautionary principle be invoked and that the proposal be rejected pending the development of a better understanding of sustainable environmental tourism.
