Dingle Distillery redevelopment refused planning after two locals object
The distillery, which produces Dingle Gin as well as whiskey and vodka, had been given the go-ahead by Kerry County Council to almost double its size two years ago. Photo: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus
A major redevelopment of the Dingle Distillery, which had been backed by Fáilte Ireland, has been refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála.
The distillery, which produces Dingle Gin as well as whiskey and vodka, had been given the go-ahead by Kerry County Council to almost double its size two years ago. The plans accorded with the council’s tourism strategy and local plans.
However, two local residents, Peter Malone and Elisabeth Kinsella both of Milltown, Dingle appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála.
The board’s decision to refuse permission means it has rejected the advice of its own inspector, Suzanne Kehely, who had recommended permission with several conditions. This would include "an odour management plan" to be put in place by the developer so smells would not exceed accepted levels.
Storage of ethanol or other flammable or hazardous chemicals was to be limited under the conditions, as well as under Health and Safety legislation.
The site—on the western side of the River Milltown—fronts onto the Slea Head drive and is outside the urban core of Dingle. The proposal included retention, part-demolition, of the existing structure as well as significant expansion of buildings and car and bus parks.
A three-storey viewing tower was planned at the front. Failte Ireland supported the expansion and creation of a visitor centre as “a key strategic tourism facility”. Udaras na Gaeltachta had also consented to the proposal and there were no objections from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
In his objection, Peter Malone said visitors’ experience is competing with the protection of amenities of locals who are already challenged by the direction and intensification of the local tourism industry.
Design, lighting, and traffic congestion were other factors in Mr Malone’s detailed submission.
In its decision, the board said that it was not satisfied that "the proposed industrial development" would not severely impact on the adjacent residential development.
It also raised issues about the capacity of the site to cater for the intensified development. Visually, the tower was also of concern to the board. The applicants Drioglann Uisce Dhaingean Ui Chuis Teoranta, have indicated they will submit a revised proposal to the council.
