Planning board’s Lough Key decision is ‘bizarre’

For once a developer says he has a problem with planning:

The developer of a proposed ecotourism project in the Lough Key forest park in Co Roscommon has described An Bord Pleanala’s decision to block the scheme as ‘‘bizarre’’.

Brian Dobbin, chief executive of the Newfound Group, said it appeared that ‘‘a small minority’’ was in control of development planning in Ireland. The group had applied for permission to build 300 holiday homes, a 100-suite hotel with spa and conference facilities, and a golf course in and around the Lough Key park.

It already operates the Humber Valley resort in Newfoundland and is building two schemes in the Caribbean. Roscommon County Council granted permission for the Lough Key scheme, but objectors – including An Taisce and the Department of the Environment – appealed to An Bord Pleanala.