Plans for a large-scale development at a cliff-top hotel in Ardmore, Co Waterford, have caused concern to at least one local councillor.
A planning application has been submitted to Waterford County Council for the demolition of the existing Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, to facilitate the construction of an "aparthotel" and holiday homes.
There would also be a bar, restaurant and ancillary facilities including underground parking.
The application is in the name of Mr John Foley of the Kilrush Service Station, Dungarvan, Co Waterford.
Cllr Fiachra O'Ceilleachair (Lab) has called for an engineer's report and environmental impact assessment before any decision on the proposed development.
The area was at the centre of a previous controversy following the variation of the development plan in July 2002 to allow for the rezoning of a parcel of land close to the historic St Declan's Well site.
Ardmore is the part of Waterford coast where St Declan was supposedly guided on a return voyage from Wales, some time during the 5th century.
Several monuments to the saint can be found at Ardmore, including the eponymous well, a shallow basin where people bathe their hands and feet.
Previous objectors to work being carried out in the area have included an American novelist, Nora Roberts, who set a trilogy of novels in the picturesque coastal village and who says she wishes the area to retain all its historical qualities. The BBC journalist Fergal Keane also owns a home in the area.
Cllr O'Ceilleachair says the development proposed will have a seriously detrimental impact on the popular tourist resort.
"One of the features would be a two-storey block over the current road level, with a four-storey building down on to the seaside. It is a very exposed and limited type of location, served by two narrow steep roads.
"Concern has been expressed before about the development of the area, and I would like to see every possible report compiled before a decision is taken."
Cllr O'Ceilleachair agreed that commercial development was needed for the town but not if it was to the detriment of the local heritage or the coastline.
"People have no difficulty with a commercial venture of small size at that location, like you have always had.
"However, the scale and magnitude of what's being proposed at the moment would certainly cause concern from an environmental and engineering point of view," he said.