Fresh planning twist to landmark Mayo hotel saga
Pontoon site entered derelict process before owners sought planning extension
The site of the former Healy's Hotel in Pontoon entered Mayo County Council's derelict sites process before its owners lodged an application seeking more time to complete the stalled development, The Connaught Telegraph can reveal.
Responding to a query from this newspaper on the status of the site, the local authority confirmed it is in the derelict sites process, having been inspected and served a notice of intention - subject to the planning permission timeframe.
A notice on May 25 was posted on the exterior hoarding surrounding the site.
It read: "We would recommend that the following works are completed within compliance with the current planning permission for the development (listing works) "to continue development works" per planning permission reference no. 21489, granted on July 8, 2021.
Pontoon Anglers Hotel Limited lodged an application for an extension of duration a month after that notice went up as their original planning was set to expire at the end of this year.
The move has raised fresh hopes that the project may now be completed, giving a major commercial and tourism boost to a location suffering as a result of the loss of two hotels within close proximity.
The developers have applied for an extension of duration on the permission granted under P17/570, ABP-301712-18 and P19/852.
The application seeks more time to complete:
* A two-storey extension to provide a spa relaxation area and outdoor terrace at first-floor level.
* A single-storey extension to the ground floor to accommodate plant.
* Two rooflights to stair cores.
* A pergola to the main entrance.
* A further pergola and fire pit to the north-east of the site.
* Revisions to the facade, including additional opes, amended ope layouts and material treatment of opes.
* Amendments to the site boundary and all ancillary siteworks and services.
A decision on the extension is due on tomorrow (Wednesday) August 26.
Healy's Hotel traded as a hotel, bar, restaurant and fishing lodge on the shores of Lough Cullin from the 1840s. Part of the building was destroyed by fire in 2011.
The property went on the market in 2015. Businessman Michael Cusack and his partner John Reddington bought the site and secured permission for a 14-bedroom boutique hotel with bar and restaurant.
Construction began in 2019 but was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic and, subsequently, stalled due to rising construction costs. The site has remained idle since, prompting repeated criticism from local councillors over its impact on tourism in the Pontoon area.
The Connaught Telegraph revealed in January 2025 that Reddington hoped to restart construction in early 2026.
Attempts to contact Mr. Reddington for a comment have been unsuccessful.