BY CRONAN SCANLON

A SPECTACULAR view of Downings Bay has been lost forever after Donegal County Council granted planning permission for a massive hotel extension.

The claim was made by an angry Councillor Liam Blaney at Tuesday's Milford Electoral (MEA) meeting in relation to a new development at the Rosapenna Hotel.

Cllr Blaney said he has been inundated with complaints from local residents who are furious that the view from the Carrigart approach to the village has been blocked.

"I am not against tourism, but what's happening in Downings is a disgrace," Cllr Blaney said.

"There is a massive concrete jungle blocking the view of the Bay. Three local caravan park owners were put out of business by the Council because they did not have planning permission. It is a total disgrace that planners would give permission for that (Rosapenna development)".

Cllr Blaney went on to describe the extension as a "big concrete thing" which blocked the view of the Bay across to Downings Pier.

However, Cllr Noel McBride defended the Casey family who own and run the hotel. He said the planning application went through the proper procedure and was granted permission. Cllr McBride went to claim that the view would be actually improved when the development is completed.

"When finished this development will not be intrusive. In fact, the whole view will be opened up because of this development," he said.

Cllr Blaney later denied he was "attacking" Cllr McBride over the Rosapenna development.

"I just want to know why he (Cllr McBride) is getting so defensive about this issue," concluded Cllr Blaney.

For more see the Donegal News online pdf editions