Refusal for Lough Derg glamp site

An Bord Pleanála has upheld a refusal of planning permission for a glamping site proposed for Lough Derg.

Applicant John Walsh had sought a change of use from residential to recreational camping site and the construction of six cabins for the purpose of short-stay accommodation at Kilana Lodge, Rahena More. The site is located on Tinerana Bay between Killaloe and Ogonnelloe. The six cabins were proposed as glamping pods with a total capacity for 18 residents; it was proposed that the accommodation would be open year-round.

Clare Co Council received a number of submissions on the application. The council refused planning permission, primarily due to an anticipated increase in road traffic volumes.

Mr Walsh appealed the council's decision, making the point that visitors could access the site by water as well as road. He said a Ballina-Killaloe-based passenger boat could serve the site. He also pointed out that tourist, recreation and heritage locations in the area, such as Holy Island, Garykennedy, Mountshannon, Scarriff, Dromineer, Terryglass and Portumna, are all accessible by small craft. There is also an existing dedicated pathway linking the site with Killaloe-Ballina and Ogonnelloe.

However, An Bord Pleanála also decided to refuse permission due to additional traffic movements at the location, which it said would contravene the Clare County Development Plan and endanger public safety by way of traffic hazard.