The Wheel Inn Saga Continues - and gets even more disappointing
 |
Since the petition was mooted in support of the development at the former Wheel Inn site, the views of the people are being more openly discussed and the question on eveyone's tongue is WHY?. It was generally known that Mr. Jordan was o.k. with the scaled down development plans - why one prominent local even stated that he met him over the Christmas Holidays in one of the local hostelries and Mr. Jordan indicated to him that he was indeed very sorry he put in the objection last time and that having met with the developers, Cllr. Harrington and Mr. Regan - he was happy to let it go ahead now. What a back-stab he has bestowed on Beara and to the people he met, and to whom he indicated to that he would allow the development to go ahead! |
| Petition booklets are in Post
Offices throughout Beara area and are being signed freely - with much
varied comments. The plans of the development are on display in
the Beara Action Group offices - along with the copies of the 2
objections and a petition book for signatures. It is vividly seen
on the plans that the last house of the development near Mr. Jordan's
land is some 176 metres away from the boundary line and Mr. Jordan's
house is probably the same distance again if not further away again from
the boundary. Locals are incensed that the excuse Mr. Jordan is
using is that the developers will not build the swimming pool along with
the houses - where is he getting that idea from? From the copies
of the correspondence we have seen - the developers have made every
effort to keep Mr. Jordan informed - sadly not the other way around.
Yes,
a telephone conversation took place between Mr. Jordan's Solicitor and
the developers Solicitor regarding the pool - this was replied to in
writing by the developers and Mr. Jordan and his legal advisors were
invited for any proposals they wished to make in this regard - their
letter of June 20th 2003 went unanswered. (Links to view the correspondence then and since: Copy of Letter to Mr. Jordan & his legal advisors - June '03 : Copy of Faxed Letter to Mr. Jordan's solicitor - Feb.'04 and Copy of Letter - Faxed to Mr. Jordan's solicitor - Mar.'04 Mr. Jordan stated in The Irish Examiner on Tuesday March 9th last that his "sole reason for seeking leave to appeal the development was that no guarantee was given that the swimming pool would be built". If that is his only reason - why then are there 9 objections by him in total to An Bord Pleanála? Where is he getting the idea from that the swimming pool will not be built? Surely - in order for the development to be successful - the proper amenities must be in place and like the business people that they are - they are including this much needed facility - not just for the use of the complex only - but for the community in general. There is nothing anywhere to indicate that the pool will not be built. The swimming pool was not the only benefit the development was bringing to Beara. The economic benefits to the area would be huge. What did he think - that the dilapidated holiday site adjacent to his palatial residence would remain a dilapidated site - wake up Mr. Jordan - Ireland is progressing and why shouldn't Castletownbere and Beara. The former site had 35 Mobile Home sites and 12 Chalets - that is 47 units in all - the proposed development is for 41 units - how is this development out of character with the area - when it already existed and was vibrant in its day. In fact, there is better infrastructure in place now that back then. An Taisce, who objected last time round - have not put in an objection this time! What economic benefits has Mr. Jordan brought to the area - since his house was renovated? Has he brought any film on location to Beara? The answer is no! Another question being asked is 'who is Roibaird MacGiollarnaith'?. People living in the immediate area - do not know of such a person who states in his objection and I quote "It is because of this rural environment that we have cherished our home that has been in our family for generations, and it is clear that the destruction of this amenity would not be in the interests of the environment or in conformity with the proper planning of the area". When did/is he doing this 'cherishing '? People like to be able to put a face to a name. The development will not be seen from this house If Mr. MacGiollarnaith and indeed Mr. Jordan are so worried about the visual impact from Bere Island why didn't they lodge objections on other constructions in the area, which are equally obtrusive - if that is their thinking on the issue? The development at the Wheel Inn will be surrounded by trees - lessening any obtrusive visual impact when viewed from Bere Island and the channel. Why isn't there any objections from Bere Island residents - who will be looking at it every day? Are the people of Castletownbere and Beara to call halt on any development that may take place near the sea? Mr. Jordan is worried about trees being cut down ad-lib. After the developers purchased the site - trees were cut down on their property - without their permission. At the time - they didn't think of reporting it - it being a derelict site and all - now in hindsight - they feel that they should have. They have no idea who did this - if you have any information out there - they would be delighted to hear from you. The area in question is at the end of their property - before it adjoins Mr. Jordan's property - giving a better view from the roadside to the channel and Bere Island. They certainly had no reason to cut them down! Maybe this is one of the reasons that Mr. Jordan is worried about more trees being cut on their property? The whole community are pleading with you Mr. Jordan to withdraw your objections now - before it is too late! You would make a lot of people happy here in the Beara Peninsula if you do so. Other
related stories Click here to view copy of the Brochure of the Former Wheel Inn Complex during the 70's - note the telephone no. - before the area went automated. This development was before its time and due to the untimely deaths of the former developers - would probably now a Beara 'Trabolgan'. Press Release by John Burke, one of the Developers Results of the Petition - now sent off to An Bord Pleanala by the Developers
|
|
