Planning approval granted for major tourism development at Loop Head Lighthouse

Approval has been secured for the construction of enhanced visitor experience facilities at the Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point at Loop Head in west Clare.

The project will be led by Clare County Council which has secured government funding for the works to upgrade the existing facilities at the tourist attraction.

Loop Head Lighthouse is steeped in history with its origins dating back to the 1670s.The existing tower style lighthouse was constructed in 1854 and was operated and maintained by a keeper who lived within the lighthouse compound.

The lighthouse has been automated since January 1991 and is currently monitored by the Commissioner of Irish Lights.

The proposed development includes the construction of a single storey building extension providing additional and enhanced visitor facilities, including a reception area, entrance lobby, café with seating area, public toilets and a covered walkway leading to the Loop Head Looped Walking Trail.

Featuring six designated viewing points, the trail network will guide visitors around the headland via four looped walking trails ranging from 0.9 kilometres to 4.5 kilometres in length.

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A new visitor car park along the R487 Regional Road will provide new public car parking spaces, and bicycle and EV charging spaces. The new car park also will feature an access control kiosk building comprising a reception, entrance lobby, public toilets, and visitor information signage and orientation.

The existing car parking area will be reconfigured to provide staff car parking spaces and bicycle spaces.

Clare County Council says vehicular, pedestrian and cyclist access to the site will be maintained via the R487 and will be enhanced by associated traffic calming measures and designated pedestrian and cycling priority zones.

In its application to An Bord Pleánala, the local authority says an analysis of visitor numbers to the site shows that between 77% and 80% of visitors to the headland do not enter the wider walled compound at all and walk the headland without access to any WC facilities.

Many visitors, it added, have limited information about the nature of the surrounding protected landscape and the protected structures therein.

The project will include the construction of a new single-storey structure to act as a reception and café while a new car park for tourists and visitors will be constructed at a site around 1km to the east.

Interpretative signage will be installed and a way found trail will be put in place on the headland to coordinate the movement of visitors thereby reducing pressure on the landscape and habitats.

In her report to An Bord Pleánala, planning inspector Mairead Kenny noted submissions from the local authority that Loop Head Visitor Experience has the potential to be the ‘gold standard’ for the cross sectoral approach to sustainable development in Ireland.

In its submission, Failte Ireland said it is fully supportive of the proposed development "which seeks to conserve and manage the natural and built heritage, enhance visitor experience of one of Ireland’s most iconic lighthouses and avoid significant effects including loss of habitat and ecological disturbance."

An Taisce, in its submission, raised concerns that the enhanced facility will lead to an increase in the use of private cars by visitors. "Further development to the Signature Discovery Points including Loop Head should prioritise other forms of transport including walking, cycling, minibus and tour bus," reads the submission.

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Commenting following the confirmation that planning permission has been granted, Councillor Gabriel Keating, Leas-Chathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said the proposed development will generate “significant, positive dividends” for surrounding communities on Loop Head Peninsula in terms of profile and the local economy.

“The focus on building a visitor attraction that is both sustainable and in keeping with the ethos of slow tourism is key,” added the Leas-Chathaoirleach. “I am happy to see that sustainability is at the heart of the future plans for the site. I want to acknowledge the contribution of Loop Head Tourism, local landowners and the wider community as well as my own Council colleagues, particularly my fellow members of West Clare Municipal District.”

Pat Dowling, chief executive of Clare County Council, added: “Loop Head Lighthouse is one of Clare’s best known heritage attractions and has been the subject of considerable investment by the Department of Rural and Community Development through RRDF funding as well as from Clare County Council in recent years. The proposed new development is subject to additional funding being secured and if successful, we are committed to delivering a project that will encourage the public to experience the rich heritage and history that stems from the lighthouse and the communities of the surrounding peninsula.”

Mr Dowling noted how extensive engagement with Elected Members, key stakeholders, State agencies and the local community, including landowners, has been key to securing planning permission for the visitor project.

In its application, Clare County Council indicated that efforts will be made to attract tourists at off-peak times and to limit the number of visitors accessing the compound at any one time during the peak tourist season.

"I consider that the upgrade in visitor facilities including the provision of a café and toilet facilities are appropriate having regard to the status of the site within the Wild Atlantic Way and also taking into account the cultural heritage value inherent in the buildings and structures and the implications for biodiversity and qualifying interest habitat," stated Ms Kenny.

In granting permission for the project, members of the board imposed a number of conditions.