Jamie Harvey takes on Shane Hanniffy. Picture: Ger Rogers
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08 Apr 2026
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08 Apr 2026
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Shannon Oaks Hotel, Portumna, burning in September 2011. The fire might have started because of a chip pan in the kitchen.
COUNCILLORS in Galway County Council are seeking to impose a Compulsory Purchase Order on the derelict Shannon Oaks Hotel in Portumna.
During a recent monthly meeting of the Council a motion was put forward by Cllr Jimmy McClearn (Fine Gael) which called upon the Council to compulsorily purchase the “derelict site formerly known as the Shannon Oaks Hotel.”
Cllr McClearn pointed out that the property ceased to be a hotel on September 6th 2011 and has not operated as a hotel at any time since then. “Effectively it's just a derelict site,” he remarked, “and what has to be decided is the value of that site. The loss of the hotel to the Portumna region is immeasurable.” The motion was approved by the Councillors. The Council Executive said it will seek legal advice regarding the proposal.
Several councillors described the property, which is owned by the Comer Group, as an “eyesore”. One councillor said the issue had been “going on for years” and he was worried about the openness of the derelict site and the risk of a fatal accident there.
Some Councillors wondered if a CPO was the right route to take. An Independent Councillor pointed out that sometimes undertaking the CPO process doesn't lead to the desired outcome. Cllr Ivan Canning (Fianna Fáil) said he's a business owner in Portumna and he sees the adverse effects of not having an hotel on the town. “I don't agree in principle with CPOs. That is just my own thing about it. We should give hefty fines. That might shake them a bit.”
The Chief Executive Liam Conneally pointed out that additional resources are being allocated in the Council to tackling derelict sites.
He said Council officials are engaging with the Comer Group under derelict sites legislation. He pointed out that the CPO process entails “going in front of the courts” and requires “a very high burden of proof.” He promised to engage again with the owners on the issues.
Cllr McClearn replied that while the CPO process could be lengthy it would not take 15 years to complete.
READ NEXT: Former Midlands hotel is dangerous, derelict and a hazard for children
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