The operators of Blarney Castle have gone to the High Court in an attempt to stop the building of a hotel and supermarket close to it.
The Irish Examiner reports that the Blarney Castle Estate Partnership are challenging an Bord Pleanala's decision to award planning for an 80 bedroom hotel, supermarket, office building and residential units 200 metres from the castle on St Ann's Road.
The Partnership says the development would detract from the the character of Blarney town centre, and harm its status as a major tourist attraction - they also say that the awarding of planning permission by an Bord Pleanala went against advice from its own inspector and Cork County Council.
The matter is due back before the court in April.
Socialist TD Mick Barry says the area is in dire need of supermarket facilities, and expressed concern that the High Court action could end up blocking the provision of such facilities in the area.
"Tourism is important for Blarney but tourism can't be used as an excuse to block facilities that would be expected in any other community the size of Blarney/Tower.
"It is ridiculous that households in this area are forced to travel to Ballincollig or Blackpool for their weekly shop.
"The people of Blarney and Tower have waited long enough for a supermarket and just don't need further delays at this point."
