‘Bog hotel’ owner could be fined €12m

THE owner of the infamous “bog hotel” in Co Donegal has been threatened with court proceedings that could end in a fine of €12 million and two years in jail if he refuses to remove a bar and lounge from a shed on his property.

A notice served on Patsy Brogan by Donegal County Council describes the bar — which he insists is for private use — as an “unauthorised development”. It also demands he remove old cars, caravan wrecks and lorry parts, which the council says add up to the operation of an illegal scrapyard.

Mr Brogan claimed yesterday he is trying to clean up the yard, but he said he won’t be removing the bar, which he denies is a shebeen and claims is a private facility he shares with friends.