Despite being refused planning permission by Offaly County Council for the development of a hotel and casino, Bridge House Hotel Ltd has appealed to An Bord Pleanála against the decision, with the case to be decided by 21 June 2017.
The development would see the conservation and redevelopment of the Malt Kiln and Malthouse; the construction of a new 86-bedroom hotel ranging in height from one to five storey's; a conference centre; three retail units; restaurant and bar; as well as a link bridge between Bridge House Hotel and the proposed development, reports fora.ie.
Offaly County Council refused the plans saying that the development "would result in dominant, visually incongruous structures and would have a profound negative impact on the streetscape of Tullamore". Bridge House Hotel Ltd, which is owned by hotelier Patrick Leneghan, described the council's decision as a "massive opportunity lost" for Tullamore.
