Gamechanger for Dromineer as village hotel set for major facelift
Dromineer looks set for a major facelift following plans for redevelopment of the derelict hotel that currently stands out like a sore boil in the scenic lakeside village.
A company called Dromineer Bay Developments Limited has signalled its intention to apply to Tipperary County Council to carry out works to transform the site of the Dromineer Bay Hotel that has been lying idle as an eyesore in the village for almost two decades.
The company says its plans include the redevelopment of the site of the hotel itself as well as modification and development within the adjacent Waterside Cottages holiday home complex.
In a planning notice published in last week’s issue of this newspaper, the company said its aim is to provide mixed-use commercial and tourism enterprise facilities to include new short-stay accommodation.
The developers are seeking permission to demolish the existing rundown hotel, which for several years has been has been only partly visible from the public road due to dense growth of brambles on the site.
EVENT SPACES
The company is hoping to obtain permission from the council to build a two-storey mixed used building incorporating event spaces with a reception and lobby, as well as a bar, kitchen and an office and associated stores with toilet facilities.
The complex would include tourism related/commercial space, a restaurant, café and retail unit and external terrace.
New accommodation would be provided for tourism, incorporating the site of the existing Waterside Cottages holiday homes where 14 apartments are planned.
These would include a block of six one-bed two storey terrace units and a separate block of eight one-bed two-storey.
Works proposed include modifications to the existing holiday cottages to include the provision of a two-storey extension.
Ancillary works would include modification of the internal access road and construction of a new vehicular access from the public road and reconfiguration of the existing car parking areas associated with the former hotel.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the council office on the Limerick Road and submissions can be made on the plans.
A Natura Impact statement accompanies the application.
HISTORY
The hotel site has been a focal point in the village for well over a century. Proprietors who welcomed its many visitors included the parents of the famous Collison brothers, billionaires John and Patrick, founders of the payments firm, Stripe.
Denis and Lily Collison, lived near the village when their sons were very young and were very popular in the community.
Prior to the Dromineer Bay Hotel, the establishment was run as the Sail Inn hotel by the late Julianne Roberts in the latter decades of the past century.
Down through the decades it was a favourite venue of anglers who came from all over the world to fish on the lake, especially during the Mayfly season. However, in latter years the building, situated right in the heart of the tourist village, has become dilapidated and badly in need of a facelife.