GALWAY-born property developer Luke Comer is challenging a decision to turn down his plans for an equine centre of excellence at the site of the former Kilternan Hotel in south Co Dublin.

The Comer Group bought the partially built hotel in 2014 for a price believed to be in the region of €7 million. According to planning documents, Comer was planning to convert the hotel into an equine centre of excellence incorporating 160 stables over two levels with a lift, a 1.6km gallop, track viewing areas on the second floor, a parade ring, an equine swimming pool and 36 studio and dormitory rooms on the third floor.