Lanesboro tourism project gets Longford council planning approval

Lough Ree Distillery in Lanesboro has received renewed planning permission for the new distillery and visitors centre at the Old Post Office, Main Street, Lanesborough, Longford.

The Blacksmith Ventures Ltd project is planned for the old, iconic three-storey post office building in Lanesboro, and will become a focal attraction in the county’s bid to win tourism market share.

Back in 2020 Lough Ree Distillery indicated that they were intent on progressing with the innovative tourism project, but the pandemic shutdown interfered with the progress of the plans.

The planning application sought to modify the previously granted planning application reference to develop a distillery and visitor centre.

The plans allow for the increased overall site area, an increase of the internal floor area, and a three storey visitor facility extension.

Included in the changes are alterations to the a mezzanine distillery, the extension of the single storey building to relocate the gin still, site layout, site boundaries, landscaping, external lighting and site/building signage.

The local authority approved the application subject to 14 conditions. Those conditions include adherence to the submitted plans, engagement of an archaeologist on the project, road design and traffic management considerations, retaining historic features of the Old Post Office, water and refuse considerations and the payment of a development fee of €3,084.

There are no applications to the local authority on the file.