Clare Council has granted planning permission for the construction of a visitor centre to serve the Pol an Ionain cave in Doolin in spite of stiff opposition from An Taisce, Ailwee Caves, the Pol an Ionain Action Group and the Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI).Today's Irish Times newspaper reports that three years ago, owners John and Helen Browne opened the cave to the public after a 16-year struggle to realise their dream of showing the 23ft Pol an Ionain stalactite to the world. However, in lodging the plans, the Brownes said the attraction would not be viable without on-site facilities – currently visitors are bussed to the site from Doolin. Now, the Brownes have secured permission for a centre, a 30-space car park and a bus bay at the site.
The council gave the plan the go-ahead after local geologist Dr Maria McNamara found “it is difficult to envisage a scenario in which the proposed development works will impact negatively upon the physical stability of the Great Stal”. The cave was discovered in 1952 by J.M. Dickenson and Brian Varley of Craven Pothole Club, an English caving club based in the Yorkshire Dales.
