Exciting Longford tourism project plan to develop glamping accommodation pods

Longford County Council planners are assessing a planning application for a Cloondara based tourism project.

Patrick and Emily Farrell made an application for four one-bedroom self-contained glamping style holiday accommodation pods.

The pods will be adjacent to the existing farmhouse, and the planning includes a new wastewater treatment system with polishing filter, access road from existing entrance, parking area, perimeter fencing and all ancillary site works.

The address of the proposed development is Agharevagh House, Cloondara, a listed building described as a “detached five-bay single-storey house on L-shaped plan, built 1830”.

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The subject site is located off the N5 Longford to Strokestown Road near Tarmonbarry and just over a kilometre from Richmond Harbour in Clondra.

The site is an existing farmhouse dwelling with outbuilding and a yard off the single storey Georgian house.

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If approved the development will provide seasonal holiday glamping within the rural setting and lists amenities such as the access to Royal Canal Greenway Bike and Walking Trail, bike and boat hire at Richmond Harbour, angling and fishing access and proximity to bog walks and tracks.

The development intends to utilise the existing farm for tourist staying to explore and link with the existing amenities provided to offer short-term holiday stays.

The applicants reside in the main dwelling and intend to utilise the existing front garden to install the glamping pods, play area, fire pit and separate parking area.

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The proposal is to service the area with low level Dark Sky lighting, new wastewater treatment plant and surface water drainage.

Existing water supplies are available to the site. The applicants say that the purpose of the alternative glamping accommodation away from the traditional in house B&B stays encourages outdoor activities which are available in this area include walking, cycling, water sports and fishing.

The planners have indicated they should make a decision on the application by October 16.

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