Joyriders causing trouble at Ashford Castle

Locals protest over access to Ashford Castle


Emer Gallagher

A TOTAL of 320 people gathered in protest at Ashford Castle last weekend over disputed access rights to the grounds of the luxury hotel.
Local residents in the village of Cong say that since the five-star castle changed hands in March, they have not been allowed into its woodlands. Thomas Ryan, PRO of Concerned Residents of Cong, said the locals involved in the protest were seeking information over the developments at the castle.
“We didn’t want to get into a war of words with Ashford Castle. We just want the plans to be made known to the community,” said Mr Ryan. “Some restrictions are already in place and we want to know are there plans for more. People in the area want to know.
“There may be legitimate reasons for restrictions but in a village as small as Cong there will be rumours if we don’t get information. It is a dangerous thing to keep people in the dark.”
At 5pm last Saturday 320 locals gathered at the main entrance and walked to the bridge. At the bridge three members of the group then walked to the hotel where they delivered a letter of protest. The large group decided not to cross the bridge as a private function was taking place at the time.
Mr Ryan said told The Mayo News yesterday (Monday) that there had been no official meeting between representatives from the 700-year-old castle and the local group.
“I hope the situation will be resolved there has always been very good relations with the community and the castle and we both benefit each other,” he said.
“It’s all about information. We don’t know what is going on or what is going to happen.”
Owners of Ashford Castle, Edward Holdings, issued a statement outlining that they had been in discussions with community representative groups. They say they are at the design phase of a project that will boost tourism in the area and that they are committed to investing substantially to improve facilities at Ashford. Their target is to double employment from the current level of 189 to some 374 when the project is completed. In the interim, they say some vehicular access to the grounds has been restricted for health and safety reasons.
“Our plan is to improve facilities and to make the estate a safe and secure environment. Our target is to restore the woodlands, gardens and walkways to their former glory,” said a spokesperson.
The landmark hotel was purchased almost a year ago by Galway-based property investor Gerry Barrett of Edward Holdings for €50 million from a consortium of Irish-American business parties which included Sir Anthony O’Reilly of Independent News and Media, philanthropist Chuck Feeney and Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney.