Crescent House Ltd Plans 67-Unit Housing Scheme in Bunratty

A Limerick-based company, Crescent House Ltd, has submitted plans to Clare County Council for a significant housing scheme in Bunratty. The project aims to construct 67 residential units on the site of the former Shannon Shamrock Hotel, a property that has remained vacant and in a state of disrepair.

The proposed plans also include one retail convenience store and six retail/office units, representing a significant shift in the property’s use.

The Development Plan

The hotel’s demolition is necessary to accommodate the mixed-use development. However, a portion of the site, including the nearby conference center, will be retained as part of a future phase to accommodate a 76-bed hotel with 14 short-stay apartments.

A planning report states that the project seeks to deliver a responsive mixed-use development that can adapt to market conditions and meet housing needs in the heart of the village.

Controversy and Concerns

Twenty-one third-party submissions have been received by the council, expressing various concerns.

Maureen Wallace, co-owner of the Bunratty Manor Hotel, has voiced opposition to the housing plan. She argues that converting the site to residential purposes would significantly impact regional tourism and the local economy.

Much of this sentiment is echoed by Victor O’Sullivan, a local resident and travel journalist who has included Bunratty in Conde Nast’s selection of Ireland’s most beautiful villages. He warns that the dense housing development could compete with the village’s picturesque landmarks and diminish its allure to visitors.

The submission from planning consultant Andrew Hersey, representing Dun Ri Management Company, also highlights the opposition to the primary residential use. Hersey suggests that a tourism venture would be a more suitable use for the site.

Next Steps

A decision on the application is expected next month. The outcome will be crucial, with significant implications for both the local population and the tourism industry in Bunratty.