The Mayor of Clare claims it would take 25 years for Ardnacrusha's hydroelectric power station to get planning permission today due to bottlenecks in the system.

An event held by Shannon Chamber at Dromoland Castle Hotel this week has heard Sixmilebridge Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O'Callaghan criticise the pace at which major developments get over the line.

It follows a recent High Court decision paving the way for a Supermacs plaza at Junction 12 off the M18 near Kilbreckan in Doora after a 10-year legal battle.

Addressing guest-of-honour IDA CEO Michael Lohan, Councillor O'Callaghan says it feels as if we've "gone backwards" when it comes to planning.