Plans for prestigious art centre at Mayo tourist location turned down by council

PLANS for a new art centre and cafe in Mulranny have been turned down by Mayo County Council.

An application for planning, which included the restoration of a former pump house attached to the old Great Western Hotel, submitted by Tony Doyle for a site between the N59 and Trawaughter, Mulranny, has been refused permission.

A number of objections were submitted in relation to the proposal.

Dublin-based Mr. Doyle is married to renowned Catalan sculptress Merce Canadell.

The couple proposed to relocate to Mayo to operate the centre, it was explained in documents submitted to the planning office.

The development proposed consisted of a three-bedroom house, with an artist's studio attached, plus an art centre with gallery.

It included the restoration and conversion of the old pump house attached to the former Great Western Railway Hotel to a cafe.

The plans also included replacing the existing steps down to the causeway, as well as a loading bay adjacent to a new pavement with a new pedestrian entrance leading to a raised timber walkway incorporating a ramp down to the causeway to provide universal access and to comply with building regulations.

Documents submitted set out how Mr. Doyle, a previous owner of the hotel, sold the property around 20 years ago but retained a two-hectare waterfront apron at the front, which was the subject of this application.

The old pump house on-site housed a Victorian engine which pumped seawater up to an open air swimming pool at the hotel.

In refusing permission, the council found the development would have a negative impact on the historic setting of the hotel, pump/engine house and causeway.

It would interfere with the character of the landscape or with a view or prospect of special amenity value or natural interest or beauty, any of which is is necessary to preserve.