Leitrim County Council has refused planning permission for five fully serviced glamping pods in Aghacashel, citing safety concerns and tourism policy compliance.
The application, submitted in October 2025, proposed the installation of the pods along with associated infrastructure, including access pathways, a carpark, a storage building, a new entrance, refuse storage, signage, upgrades and relocation of the existing wastewater treatment system to commercial capacity, and retention of site boundaries.
A refusal notice was issued by the council on Thursday, December 18, listing five reasons for rejecting the proposal. One key concern was the location of the development outside any settlement boundaries, in open countryside and distant from existing tourism facilities.
The council noted that this would conflict with the Leitrim County Development Plan 2023-2029, which prioritizes tourist accommodation in suitable, accessible locations.
Another issue raised was the wastewater system, according to a report published by LeitrimLive.
The council stated that the applicant had not demonstrated that the proposed system would adequately manage the safe disposal of wastewater from the site. The development was also described as “unsustainable,” as it focused on accommodation without a clear connection to an identified tourism market or asset.
Public safety and transport considerations were also highlighted. The council observed that the road leading to the site is narrow and lacks pedestrian provisions, stating that “the development, as proposed, would endanger public safety by reason of a traffic hazard.”
The applicant has the option to appeal the council’s decision to An Bord Pleanála within four weeks of the notice.
For business owners and developers in the glamping and outdoor hospitality sector, the decision underscores the importance of aligning new projects with local development plans, ensuring site accessibility, and demonstrating a viable connection to tourism demand.
Proper planning for wastewater management and site safety is also critical to securing approval.