A proposal for the construction of a casino complex next to an existing hotel in the Irish town of Tullamore received another blow earlier this week. An Bord Pleanála, an independent, quasi-judicial body, rejected an appeal by the developer behind the project to allow its realization. The plan was previously dismissed by the Offaly County Council.
The ambitious project was brought forward by local businessman Patrick Leneghan last November. Mr. Leneghan is a prominent hotelier in the region and the owner of the Bridge House Hotel in the heart of Tullamore. The hotel owner proposed to expand his existing business in the town by building a hotel and casino complex right next to the aforementioned property.
The Offaly County Council turned down the proposal earlier this year, arguing that the complex’s “excessive scale” would impact adversely the existing “visual amenities” located in its immediate proximity. Mr. Leneghan’s plan included “the conservation and redevelopment” of the nearby Malt Kiln and Malt house. The structures are designated as protected and are considered crucial elements to the town center’s streetscape.
In its ruling from earlier this week, An Bord Pleanála backed the County Council’s decision, ruling that the project with its massiveness would affect negatively and materially the protected structures, and that with its height and scale it would not match the general pattern of the area. The quasi-judicial body further voiced concerns that the plan lacked adequate parking proposals that would mitigate the increased traffic the potential construction of the complex would cause.
What Did the Plan Include?
Mr. Leneghan’s project included the addition of a new hotel to the existing one. Bridge House Hotel currently features 70 bedrooms and the planned adjacent hotel was proposed to include 86 bedrooms.
The development plan also included the addition of a conference center, retail facilities, a restaurant and several other food and beverage facilities. Mr. Leneghan’s said last year, when his proposal first emerged, that he would also like to build a link bridge to his existing hotel and to take steps towards the redevelopment of the two protected structures – the Malt Kiln and the Malt house.
The plan was touted as one that would create numerous construction jobs for people from the region and even more permanent jobs once the complex became operational. It was also believed that the development project would be among the largest ones ever carried out in Tullamore and the region.
Based in the Louth County, Mr. Leneghan is among the best known hoteliers in the Republic of Ireland. Apart from his Tullamore-located hotel venue, he also owns properties in Navan and Dublin. It was previously reported that he was planning to invest millions of euro in the new Tullamore development project.
