Eoghan Dalton Reports
A former chief executive of Waterford Chamber has opposed the expansion of a city hotel.An Bord Pleanála received the submission from Monica Leech showing her opposition to the development at the Tower Hotel.The ambitious works proposed include demolishment of a four storey terrace behind the hotel, on the Lombard Street side, and construction of a five storey extension in its stead.But Ms Leech, who currently works as a PR consultant and who previously successfully sued a number of media outlets for false allegations, has hired a forensic and litigation firm for the case and is contending the proposed works will take place on lands to which the developer does not have absolute title.
Ms Leech is contending that the works will take place on lands to which the developer does not have full rights.
Attempts by the Munster Express to contact Ms Leech and firm Michael Reilly Consulting Forensic and Litigation were not successful.However, speaking to the Sunday Times newspaper, the company insisted that “Ms Leech is not anti-development”.“[She] correctly feels that until her legal interests in these lands have been…dealt with by the developer, this application cannot proceed,” the spokesperson added.The latest additions to the four star hotel and leisure centre include a new bar and bar extension wrapping around the front of the hotel and overlooking the River Suir.
Up to 60 guest bedrooms would be added as part of the five storey extension, as well as a conference centre with a main conference room and six smaller conference rooms.Ms Leech has had a high-profile career in the region, having served as chief executive at Waterford Chamber and Waterford Tourism.She also worked for Minister Martin Cullen as his PR adviser during his time as Minister for the OPW and at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.She won substantial libel damages against the Evening Herald and other outlets for reporting of entirely false allegations in 2004.
