Waterford City and County Council is expected to deliver a decision on a proposed glamping development in Ardmore, County Waterford, on Tuesday, July 8.
The planning application, submitted by David and Laura Mulcahy on May 14, outlines plans to establish five glamping pods on a 0.36-hectare site in Dysert, approximately 1.2 kilometers from Ardmore village.
The development proposal includes timber-frame pods constructed on steel footings, each featuring a double bedroom, shower room, kitchen, and a combined living and dining area.
In addition to the pods, the plan incorporates a caretaker storage unit, five parking spaces, landscaping works, a biodiversity zone, and supporting infrastructure both above and below ground.
Access to the proposed site is via an existing entrance on New Line Road. The developers intend to enhance this access by creating a setback from the road, allowing vehicles to wait safely while electric gates open.
Since the submission of the application, the project has drawn public attention, with multiple objections lodged by residents. Concerns raised include potential disruptions to the Ardmore Cliff Walk, which runs near the site, and fears about the development’s impact on the area’s natural beauty, wildlife, and character.
According to WaterfordLive, objectors have also warned that the project could set a precedent for future developments that might alter the area’s landscape.
Despite the opposition, the planning report associated with the application concludes that the proposed development does not pose a threat to the environment or to the Ardmore Cliff Walk. It further suggests that the glamping pods could offer economic benefits to the region by increasing tourist accommodation options and supporting the local economy.
As local authorities prepare to make a final decision, the case highlights the balancing act between preserving natural landscapes and supporting rural tourism infrastructure.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the proposal reflects ongoing interest in small-scale glamping developments near high-traffic natural attractions and underscores the importance of addressing environmental and community concerns during the planning phase.