Artist's impression of the proposed development. Click on image to enlarge.

"I objected to the first application to build the holiday complex adjacent to Waterfall House on numerouse grounds.  Bord Pleanála ruled against the complex.  The Board said it was a material contravention of the County Development Plan.  It would be contrary to proper planning and development of the area.  It would seriously injure the visual amenities of the area.  It would militate against the existing rural environment and against the proper devleopment of nearby towns and villages.  Careful planning has ensured that Beara is proper developed.  I agreed to meet with a group including representatives of the developers.  After that meeting, I agreed to reconsider my objection to their revised submission, principally because of the importance of the proposed swimming pool to the people of the area, which is lackin in such amenities. I asked them to give me a covenamt that would ensure the pool would indeed be built.  I received no such covenant, but decided to forego my right to object to the revised plan and wait to view the council's decision. The council granted permission against the advice of its Executive Planner.  Wnen permission for the revised plan was given, it allowed the council and the developer to agree a phasing plan, which could result in the holiday homes being built, while the pool may be deferred, perhaps indefinitely.  Those in the area who support the development do so on the understanding that there will be a swimming pool built and maintained, available for use of local people.  The prospect of such an amenity in the area was the sole reason for me withdrawing my objection to a huge development - effectively a village next to my home.  As I have received no covenant from the developers to ensure the pool will be built and as there is nothing in the planning permission to sensure it will be built, I havae no option but to appeal to An Bord Pleanála"

Mr. Murphy has since issued the following statement of response: - click here to view

Meanwhile, Beara will have to sit it out once again - and pray that the objections will not be successful.  Had the first application been successful, we would now be looking forward to welcoming the first lot of visitors to the area and be enjoying weekly or daily swims.  What is all the comotion about - there was always activity on that site - maybe Mr. Jordan should have done his homework before purchasing his holiday home adjacent to the site.  The holiday complex was there long before him - waiting to be revived.  We now have people who wish to plough money into resurrecting the complex (indeed they have spent quite a considerable sum already trying to proceed), but obstacles like these objections are preventing them from advancing with their plans.   Valuable jobs and huge economic benefits will be lost to the community if this development does not receive the green light.   It is time to call stop!!!  The Beara Community are the first to welcome 'outsiders' to the area with open arms - but it would be nice if these people would  respect the 'locals'  views when situations like these arise.  It isn't as if Mr. Jordan didn't know how the community felt - there were certainly enough letters of support sent to An Bord Pleanála first time around - and to which he made reference in his current letter of objection.  As far as the MacGiollarnaith's - they do not wish to meet with or speak  to the developers or local independents whatsoever regarding the holiday complex.

If you wish to support this development - please sign the petition - at Post Offices and shops throughout the peninsula and also at Beara Action Group Office in the Square, Castletownbere.