Marchers support Ballybunion hotel development

A march is being held in Ballybunion in Co Kerry today in support of a controversial €25m hotel for the town.

The application for the development is before An Bord Pleanala for the third time following an objection from a group calling itself the 'Castlegreen Preservation Group'. The group say they are concerned about the future viability of the seaside town.

One of the organisers of the march, Kerry Harty, says that the majority of people in the town are in favour of the development as it will set the tone for any future projects.

Kerry County Council last month granted permission for the hotel, which will include 71 bedrooms, eight apartments, retail space and parking for 75 cars.

Investors in the project say that they have already spent €2m on their plans. There are fears developers may decide to withdraw the application if they fail to get the go-ahead from an Bord Pleanala.