Posted by THE INDEPENDENT on November 04, 2003 at 14:18:21:

In Reply to: WOULD YE ALL EVER GET 'REAL' !!!! posted by THE INDEPENDENT on November 04, 2003 at 14:02:20:

15th, JULY, 1998 - Western People

PAGE 1

Golf development plans for Bartra at critical stage

by Denis Daly

A multi-million pounds golf development associated with international golfer Nick Faldo, on Bartra Island in Killala Bay, is "at a critical stage," the Western People has learned.
The golf links and associated developments planned for the picturesque 367 acre island with a large house, have been held up because of what have been described as "local difficulties."
Sean Simon, Boyle, who is a singer/actor who has returned to Ireland from the West End where he worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber, disclosed yesterday (Monday) he bought the island almost two years ago.
He declined to elaborate on the problems, except to say they were local, and that they will be resolved one way or the other in the very near future. He added that innumerable technical problems associated with the proposed development would be overcome.
Mr Simon said if the development goes through it will be of enormous benefit to the general area but particularly to Killala which he could see as a Howth of the West and North West. "I would not let anyone near that island if I thought they were going to destroy it," he added.
If the development of the island was handled right it would be as good as an oil find and if it was not done right the asset would be lost forever.
"Killala has everything that is needed to make it another Howth. It has shipping line, a pier and it has the look of a fishing village," he said.
Mr Simon is critical of recent developments in Enniscrone, especially in the housing area. "That is everything Bartra Island must never be; if it turned out like that it would be very bad," he said.
He fell in love with Bartra Island - a popular picnic stop-off for boating enthusiasts and anglers on the Moy - when he was a child and his family holidayed in the area.
"I never forgot the place. I thought it was unique. I do not know of any place like it. I always thought it was amazing and I am very fond of wilderness and have strong feelings about them," he said.
Mr Simon confirmed that discussions are "on going" with golfer Nick Faldo about proposed developments. The international golfer has visited the island a number of times in the past two years and a number of planners/ experts have also visited it.
Technical problems relating to the proposals would be massive as well as the environmental aspects, but these would be overcome and solved. "We are at a critical stage, however, with other problems and a decision on the entire matter is now imminent," he said.
Mr Simon said if the project goes ahead the developments "will reek of class." It would either be development reeking of class or the island would remain a wilderness. "As far as I am concerned, there will be no in-between," he added.

Just Who is this 'Singer / Actor' Sean Simon ??? .... I've never heard of him in the 'West End'...maybe its the West End of somewhere other than London.

Paper never refusd ink !

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