Carlow County Council has delayed a decision on whether a major tourism development comprising a fishing lake and lodges will go ahead in Milltown.
A decision was due to be made yesterday on a planning application which included the development of a commercial fishing lake, eight three-bedroom fishing lodges, a clubhouse with indoor putting green and fully serviced sites for the construction of a number of houses.
However, on Tuesday the local authority deferred that decision for another month, seeking further clarification from the developer on certain aspects of the proposal, which has been ongoing for two and a half years.
Pat Foley is seeking permission for the commercial use of a lake on his property in Garryhill, Milltown for what he describes as a tourism venture which would attract people to the area.
But the proposal has met with staunch opposition from at least one local resident since its inception.
Morgan McCormack, whose property overlooks the site of proposed lake and fishing resort, continues to voice his opposition to the project.
“A planning application as large as this is totally out of order,” he told Carlow First.
But Mr Foley is adamant that the development is viable and could prove an important tourist destination in the county and a boost for the local economy.
“Fishing is one of the biggest sports in the world and one of the cheapest day’s entertainment,” he said. “It has serious potential in my book and is only 10 miles from the new motorway. It would be a great thing for the area.”
In 2007 Mr Foley was granted permission for the retention of a lake he built on the property, with the stipulation that it was for private use only and could not be used for commercial venture.
According to Mr McCormack, Mr Foley has pushed ahead with development on the site without securing the necessary planning permission, a suggestion which Mr Foley was quick to dismiss.
Mr Foley confirmed that he had begun work on a second lake on the property, unaware that planning permission was required for that work, but said he stopped all work as soon as he was informed.
“I got a letter from the council saying that any development on, above or below the ground needed planning permission and I haven’t done any further development since.”
Mr McCormack also said the request for 32 fully serviced sites for houses on the property was of concern and marked the proposal out as a significant commercial scheme and not just a tourism venture.
“I cannot understand how the council gave planning permission for a private lake when the commercial application was already in.”
However Mr Foley said the purpose of the application for sites for houses was to build B&B style homes to enhance the tourist appeal of the area.
“The houses would be the last part of the project and they may not happen for the next two years,” he said.
The initial planning application was for 32 sites for houses but that was later reduced to 10 sites at the request of the council. It is now believed that the latest delay in the process may be linked to a request to further reduce the number of sites.
Mr McCormack also criticised Cllr Denis Foley, chairman of the county council and a cousin of Pat Foley, for writing to the council in support of the project.
“It is totally out of order for the chairman of the county council to get involved in a planning application as large as this,” he said, calling for Cllr Foley’s resignation.
Cllr Foley responded that he was pro-development and had a democratic right to support any planning application.
