Planning permission for the development of 'Park-And-Ride' facilities to the Cliffs of Moher has been granted by Clare County Council, Atlantis Developments has confirmed.

The developer expects that the project will create up to 30 full-time jobs and bring significant benefits to the local economy when up and running.

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

John D. Flanagan, of Atlantis Developments, said: "It is proposed that the facilities will run in conjunction with the operating hours and procedures of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, with the capacity to handle some of the hundreds of people that visit Ireland’s premier tourist attraction daily."

He said that the primary aim of the development is to capture some of the estimated one million tourists that visit the Cliffs of Moher each year and spread economic benefits to surrounding towns and villages.

"In the last few years, visitor numbers to the cliffs have increased from 645,000 to over one million people.

"However, surrounding tourist attractions, towns and villages have noted a significant fall off in visitor numbers.

"Altantis Developments 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," explained Mr Flanagan.

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He added: "Atlantis Developments is conscious that the planning permission that has been granted may be the subject of an appeal process but looks forward to having the facility up and running for the 2010 season at the latest."

Meanwhile, Atlantis Developments confirmed that it has commenced construction work on Phase One of a new sewage treatment plant for Liscannor Village.

The plant, estimated to cost between €1-2M, is designed to cater for all existing commercial and private properties located within the zoned areas of Liscannor village, as outlined under the North Clare Development Plan.

Mr Flanagan said: "The existing treatment plant in the village of Liscannor is currently at capacity both hydraulically and biologically.

"Atlantis Developments Ltd anticipates that the construction of the interim wastewater treatment plant will alleviate the pressure on such vitally important infrastructure.

"Located on the outskirts of Liscannor village, Phase One will facilitate any new development proposals that Clare County Council deem appropriate," he concluded.

Phase One of the new plant, due for completion in May 2009, has been designed by Tobin Consulting Engineers and is being delivered by Atlantis Developments, in conjunction with the North Clare Development Plan.

Atlantis Developments is also currently developing a €25m hotel complex, near Quin in County Clare.

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

Atlantis Developments said that the 5-star development would create 30 jobs during construction and a further 45 full-time and part-time positions when it opens in 2010.

Since 2006, the holiday and accommodation body has opened the newly refurbished Peacockes Hotel in Maam Cross, County Galway; Tír Gan Éan House Hotel and Holiday Complex in Doolin, County Clare; the Smerwick Harbour Hotel, near Dingle, County Kerry; the Burren Coast Hotel and Holiday Lodges in Ballyvaughan, County Clare; and the Cliffs of Moher Hotel in Liscannor, County Clare. The new hotels have generated in excess of 235 jobs.

The group is also promoting the famed Joseph McHugh’s pub in Liscannor and the AA 5-star Ballyvara House in Doolin.

(PR/KMcA)