Hotel revamp gets green light despite objection

A HOTEL redevelopment and extension has been given the go-ahead at one of the country’s top blue flag beaches on the Dingle peninsula – made famous also by the film Ryan’s Daughter.

Despite a local objection, An Bord Pleanála has approved the upgrading of the Strand Hotel at Inch.

A new sewage system is to be part of the hotel refurbishment which will improve bathing water quality at the noted beach.

Inch, on the main Killarney to Dingle road, is regarded as one of the country’s finest beaches.

Scenes for films, including Ryan’s Daughter and The Playboy of the Western World, were shot there in the 1960s.

Seventeen bedrooms are to be converted to eight suites, with each having two bedrooms and a kitchen and living area.

Mamood Hussein, who runs the nearby Sammy’s Restaurant, lodged an objection to a Kerry County Council decision to grant planning for the development.

He claimed the development would create a health hazard and impact on the status of Inch as a blue flag beach.

But Bord Pleanála did not agree and allowed planning, subject to 11 conditions.

In his report, Bord Pleanála inspector Stephen J O’Sullivan pointed out the septic tank and filter tank currently serving the hotel did not comply with EPA guidelines and the situation was unsatisfactory.

He pointed out the council’s planning department had said the proposed development would provide a much higher level of treatment and greater protection for bathing waters at Inch beach.

Mr O’Sullivan also said the development would improve the appearance of the hotel building, which dated to the 1960s, and would make a significant contribution to the character of the area.

Being in an elevated position overlooking the beach, the hotel’s current appearance was unattractive and detracted from the scenic amenities of the area, he felt.

If planning was refused, there would be a “distinct possibility” the building would be left there without a viable use and could fall into disrepair, which have a negative impact on the area, Mr O’Sullivan said.

Recommending that planning be allowed, Mr O’Sullivan said it the development would improve the visual amenity of the area, would have a positive impact on water quality and would be acceptable in relation to traffic safety and convenience.