Local resident lodges appeal against Lough Derg campsite development

A third party appeal has lodged against a campsite development in Ogonnelloe, East Clare.

Conditional planning permission was granted for the development, for the change of use of the site, Kilana Lodge, Rahena More Ogonnelloe, from residential to "recreational camping site and the construction of six cabins for the purpose of short stay accommodation".

However a number of local residents have lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála, citing concerns over the lack of on-site parking proposed and road safety concerns.

According to the appeal, the proposal is for off-site parking and for "people to arrive by water taxi from Killaloe", as the site backs onto the shores of Lough Derg

However it raised concerns that people would not adhere to this off-site parking set up and that people parking on roads surrounding the site would present serious road safety risks due to the proximity of the R436, which is an 80km zone.

The site is accessed by the Ballyheefy road which according to the appeal is "a rural, unlit road with no footpath and a good deal of local traffic", rendering the site unfeasible as a location for tourist accommodation.

The appeal also cited water and noise pollution concerns from watersports on Lough Derg.

An Bord Pleanála are due to make a decision on the case by June 27, 2024.