Pub opposes Bunratty plan

One of the country’s best known pubs, Durty Nellys at Bunratty, is opposing plans for a commercial development in the village.

Last month, Zest, the retail division of Shannon-based catering firm, EFG Catering, lodged plans for a restaurant, cafe and foodhall outlet on the site of the burned down Avoca store.

The €1.2m-€1.5m investment will result in 40 permanent jobs.

According to planning documents with Clare County Council, “the proposed building will be the flagship ‘Zest!’ premises, expanding beyond the existing cafes, patisserie and foodhall concept to a more complete culinary experience.”

According to consultants, the proposed Zest design derives its form and character from buildings in the rural landscape and medieval fish trap structures used in the Bunratty area.

However, an objection lodged on behalf of Maurice Walsh of Durty Nellys states: “The Zest development, because of its uncompromising modern design and the horizontal emphasis of its roofing landscape, will severely detract from the setting and character of Bunratty, a national monument and Bunratty Bridge, one of the few remaining humpback bridges left in the country.”

The objection states: “The proposed development consists primarily of a large restaurant, large cafe and a food hall.

“There is no attempt to diversify from the existing pattern of development at Bunratty where every commercial establishment has a primary function of preparation and sale of food or beverage.

“The premises, which stood on this site before it was destroyed by fire some years ago, provided an extensive retail service, including the sale of some food, however, the restaurant was a secondary function of the business at that time.”

A council decision is due in January.