The Clare Champion
News to be posted
Clare Champion Report, 21st March, 2003:
€10 MILLION
HOTEL AND
OFFICES
PROPOSED FOR KILRUSH
A developer has come forward with a proposal to develop the old Glynn's Mills in Kilrush, writes Peter O'Connell.
The possibility of developing a €10 million hotel and office complex at Glynn's Mills in Lower Francis Street, Kilrush was discussed at the March meeting of the town council last Thursday (March 13th, 2003).
Property Developer Kevin Walker, who spoke at the meeting, made clear his intention to develop the mills in tandem with Kilrush Town Council.
One of the elements central to the plan is that the council, in conjunction with Clare County Council, would take responsibility for one of the mill buildings while the other would house the proposed hotel.
In addition, Kevin Walker stated that he would buy Kilrush Town Hall from the council, before handing it straight back.
This proposal met with opposition from Councillor Coley Sweeney, who said that he would be “totally opposed to selling the Town Hall”.
Mr. Walker believes Glynns Mills has the potential to develop into a major focal point for the town, where a hotel and civic offices, including a new Town Hall, would be located.
“If the council takes control of the upper mill, the rest will snowball into place”, Walker said.
“There is a magnificent marina in place, but when you get off the boat, what do you do, where do you go?
“I think that Kilrush needs a hotel”, he added.
Councillor Christy O'Malley agreed that if Kilrush was to develop in infrastructural terms, the West Clare capital would need a hotel.
“A town is not a town without a hotel. When a visitor looks for one, we have to send them to Kilkee. This town is wealthy enough to build a hotel. We should open up a dialogue and take it from there”.
Town Manager Tom Carey said that there was plenty of leeway for other agencies to fit in with the concept of a one stop shop.
“Clare County Council won't advocate financial recklessness but as a council you won't be remembered for balancing the books”, the Town Manager stated.
Councillor George Harratt was in favour of exploring the development possibility.
“We should sit down with Kevin Walker and try go get other agencies and former residents of Kilrush involved. It's a prime area for development”.
Councillor Tom Prendeville requested “facts and figures” for the next council meeting, in relation to the project.
Fellow Councillor Tom Nolan, sounded a note of caution regarding potential council costs.
“Where will we get the money? We can't put in a light”.
Councillor Paul Edson believed that it would be “criminal, not to explore the opportunity.
Mr. Walker made it clear that he had already struck a deal with the mill owner and that he was ready to move if he council came on board.
“Tax breaks are running out. Without them nobody will touch this with a barge pole. The ball is now in your court. I can't do any more”.
Report:
The Clare Champion,
Friday 21st March, 2003.
Scanned: 23/03/2003 23:38
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