April 1991: Government announces establishment of a national park in the Burren and construction of a £2.7 million interpretative centre, with 75 per cent EU funding.
May-Sept. 1991: Burren Action Group formed. Official complaint lodged with EU by World Wide Fund for Nature (UK), Plantlife, An Taisce, BAG. Feb. 1992: Environmental impact statement (EIS) published but widely criticised by environmental groups.
June 1992: EU informs OPW that doubts are "so compelling" that funding will be withdrawn.
Oct. 1992: After strong government lobbying, EU funding freed.
Dec. 1992: BAG plaintiffs granted a judicial review but refused an injunction halting development. Contract work signed before a general election. Feb. 1993: BAG plaintiffs win High Court action. OPW brought within planning acts. Injunction granted againstfurther development work.
Minister with responsibility for OPW, Mr Noel Dempsey, announces intention to seek planning permission for interpretative centre.
Jan. 1994: Planning application and EIS lodged with Clare County Council. Feb-March 1995: New Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr Michael D. Higgins, announces he is withdrawing planning application.
Feb. 1996: Draft national park management plans published, recommending visitor facilities in "gateway" villages of Corofin, Kilfenora, Ballyvaughan. Compromise proposal for "entry point" at Mullaghmore.
June 1996: BAG plaintiffs apply to High Court for order that OPW restore site to original condition.
July 1997: Clare County Council notifies intention to seek material contravention of county development plan to facilitate permission for "entry point". OPW says proposal does not need a contravention.
Nov. 1997: Clare County Council's senior executive planner recommends permission be granted for "entry point" subject to conditions.