On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Rachel Doherty.

              SECONDED by Councillor John Cummins.

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District meeting of 22nd November  2017.

Mr Martin Lydon informed members of the details of a report on the Scattered Hotel which had been commissioned by the Town Team.

It was agreed to reply to Carrick-on-Shannon MD’s request for another meeting.

March 23^rd was suggested.

Mr Martin Lydon outlined the detail of submissions which had been received following public consultation on the Royal Hotel and site. The responses fell into the following categories:

1.       Replace as a Hotel.

2.       Refurbish existing premises.

3.       Provide a Public Amenity Space.

4.       Provide B + B accommodation.

5.       Provide a new commercial premises as a focal point.

6.       Develop a museum and Traditional Music centre on the site.

7.       Provide a Refuge and Rehab centre on the site.

Mr Lydon pointed out that an in depth Risk Assessment study had been prepared by the OPW which indicated that the site is on a floodplain and this could have repercussions for Councillors if it were to be zoned suitable for development.

Cllr Doherty suggested that the Local Authority could perhaps show leadership by having a further check on the issue of flood risk which could then be addressed and thereby make the site more appealing to a developer.

Cllr Cummins referring to the fact that 67% were in favour of having a hotel on the site enquired whether the Council would entertain interested parties. Mr Lydon replied that the Council were not in the business of running hotels but would be available to discuss options and would welcome any interest from the private sector.

Cllr Callaghan requested that the Council would listen to the endorsement given in the consultations to the provision of a hotel for the benefit of the town.

Cllr Mulligan suggested restoring the premises as a casino together with accommodation for older generation tourists and cited successful towns like Bundoran, Co. Donegal as an example.

Cllr Murphy suggested that Boyle’s accommodation needs could be met by the AirBnB concept until such time as a hotel could be provided.

Cllr Byrne proposed that such a scenic strategic location could be used imaginatively to provide a boutique style hotel together with a public space which could be a focal point for the centre of the town.

It was unanimously agreed that Boyle needed a hotel to facilitate family functions and community events.

Mr Lydon stated that RCC were looking at various alternatives for the site and being aware of the dereliction issues in the town were working on a Masterplan which would involve a Part 8 process and therefore would come before members for approval.

He stated that a structural survey of the original Royal Hotel buildings was underway, that the Local Authority were acutely aware of the heritage status of the building and would work with members and the community as a conduit to bring about the best possible outcome.

It was agreed to proceed with advertising of the Boyle MD Project Funding Scheme for 2018