A LOCAL Fianna Fáil local election candidate has called for clarity on media speculation in relation to the Bellsfort Inn.
Sixmilebridge man Davy Fitzgerald is planning to transform the site of his former pub, the Bellsfort Inn into a residential complex, according to a report by Mark Tighe in the Irish Independent. The former Clare senior hurling manager wrote to Clare County
Council in November seeking an exemption from the need to get planning permission to turn the pub into a development consisting of five two-bedroom apartments, an exemption which the Council granted.
It came after Fitzgerald – who now serves as Waterford Senior Hurling boss – finally paid off a long-standing €53,000 commercial debt last July, which he owed to Clare County Council over the derelict pub since 2013.
In 2008, Fitzgerald failed in an attempted bid to demolish the Bellsfort Inn and replace it with a 23-bedroom hotel and now Stonehall native and Fianna Fáil local election candidate, David Griffin is looking for answers from Fitzgerald on potential plans for the building.
Griffin said, “Recent media speculation in relation to the potential of the Bellsfort Inn in Newmarket on Fergus being converted into a residential centre has caused worry in the local area.
“At present there is no clarity on the future of the premises. All over the Country we have seen how speculation and a lack of engagement with local communities can lead to misinformation and conflicts on the ground.
“I have spoken to local people and to Stonehall school who have not been contacted and have no clear idea as to what the future of the premises could be.
“Any plans to develop this site need to be clarified. Engagement with local communities is crucial and the earlier we can engage in any potential development plans the better in my view.”
He added, “I am asking that Davy Fitzgerald, or anyone connected to the site would come out publicly and confirm what the future plans for the Bellsfort are and to engage proactively with residents.”
