BALLINSKELLIGS

Hotel eyesore not bad enough according to State

A DISUSED south Kerry hotel without windows and doors and whose roof has collapsed, is not in a bad enough state to be considered under the Derelict Sites Act according to Kerry County Council’s Housing Department.

Opened in 1972, The Reenroe Hotel, otherwise known as Waterville Beach Hotel, has been idle for almost two decades and has continued to deteriorate despite its scenic location overlooking the Rinn Rua headland at Reenroe Beach.

At last week’s Killorglin area meeting, Cllr PJ Donovan requested an upto-date account on the site labelling it an eyesore for locals and tourists. The councillor has called for the building to be demolished as it presents a safety hazard due to underage drinking and parties on the grounds which are littered with glass, nails and other dangerous items.

Responding to the query, a Housing Department spokesperson said the site had recently been examined and it would not be appropriate for the council to utilise its powers under the Derelict Sites Act as it did not fit under the definition of a derelict site.

According to the council, a derelict site is defined as any land which detracts, or is likely to detract, to a material degree from the amenity, character or appearance of land in the neighbourhood.

While stating that the roof had collapsed and the windows and doors had been removed it was claimed that this did not detract from the scenic amenity of the area.

“This (damage) can only be seen when one is standing directly outside the building which is private property. Although the building can be seen from both nearby beaches, apparently the dereliction cannot,” the spokesperson stated.

While he added that the owner of the property would be approached by the council to “clean up” the area, this cannot be legally enforced as it doesn’t fall under the act.

Located approximately two miles from Waterville and adjacent to Waterville Golf Course, there have been several attempts to develop the site. A IR£10M holiday village and hotel complex was first proposed by Kerry Park and Golf Country Club in the early 1990s.

Planning permission for a 120-bedroom hotel, spa and leisure centre was later granted to Eccleston International Ltd. in 2007, despite being initially refused by An Bord Pleanála. The works proposed the demolition of the current building including its tall concrete tower which can be seen for several miles.

Located on a Special Secondary Amenity Area, the site is currently used to house cattle in the area.

Photo by CR Videos The Reenroe Hotel, otherwise known as Waterville Beach Hotel, has been idle for almost two decades and has continued to deteriorate.