An Bord Pleanala has upheld a Clare County Council decision to grant planning permission for the development of 'park-and-ride' facilities to the Cliffs of Moher.

Developer, the Atlantis Group, said the project will generate 20 full-time positions when up and running, with a further 20 jobs being created during the construction phase.

Work on the development is expected to commence in early 2010 and be completed by next autumn.

The proposed development consists of 'park-and-ride' bus services from Liscannor and Coogyulla, Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.

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Atlantic Group Director John D. Flanagan said the development would bring significant benefits to the local economy.

"The group believes that by working in tandem with the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, we can strike a counterbalance that further enhances the Cliffs of Moher’s position as a leading tourist attraction while increasing the tourist spend elsewhere, thus helping to revitalise rural communities across north Clare."

The Atlantis Group is also scheduled to reopen the famous Ballykilty Manor, near Quin in Co Clare, in mid to late 2010.

Ballykilty Manor Hotel will be the sixth hotel to be developed by the group as it continues to strengthen its portfolio in the hotel sector.

The company said the five-star development would create 15 jobs during construction, and a further 22 full-time and part-time positions when it opens.

(PR/GK)