Proposals for Burren wellness centre rejected

PLANS for a “unique tourism product” on the Burren has been thrown out by An Bord Pleanála.

The board upheld An Taisce’s appeal against a proposed wellness centre near Ruan, said to have the potential to generate €3 million annually, overturning a Clare County Council decision.

The promoters — Fintan O’Brien, Kieran Casey and Brian O’Shaughnessy — had also planned to develop tourist accommodation.

However, the board said a development of the kind proposed in the rural location would set an undesirable precedent in the area for ad hoc urban developments in an area where no supporting facilities exist.

The board was not satisfied the centre would not pose a threat of pollution of Natura 2000 sites. It upheld the recommendation of its inspector to refuse planning.

She said the layout of the housing unit was “akin to that of a housing estate”.