Planning permission has been granted for the construction of five glamping pods at Dysert, Ardmore, in County Waterford.
The development, proposed by David and Laura Mulcahy, also includes plans for a caretaker storage unit, five car parking spaces, improvements to vehicular access, and associated landscaping and infrastructure works, including the installation of an electric gate.
The application was initially refused by Waterford City and County Council in July 2025. In its refusal, the council described the project as a “haphazard, piecemeal and unsustainable form of development in a scenic rural area,” and expressed concerns that it would “set an undesirable precedent that would be detrimental to the high scenic quality of the area.”
The council also cited potential conflicts with residential and rural amenities and raised concerns about impacts on local scenery and wildlife. Submissions from local residents noted the development could draw visitors away from Ardmore, which they said already has sufficient tourist accommodation.
According to IrelandLive, An Coimisiún Pleanála later overturned the council’s decision, granting planning permission on November 17, 2025, with 14 conditions attached. In its decision, the commission stated it was satisfied the proposed development “would broaden visitor accommodation options within the area.”
It noted that the plans aligned with the tourism objectives outlined in the Waterford City and County Development Plan and assessed that the site could accommodate the development without creating undue visual, residential, traffic, or environmental impacts.
For outdoor hospitality operators, this case highlights the importance of understanding both local planning objections and broader county-level tourism strategies.
Even when developments face local resistance, appeals to An Coimisiún Pleanála can succeed if proposals are consistent with regional development plans and demonstrate limited environmental and community impact.
Operators considering expansion or new sites in rural locations may benefit from reviewing similar development criteria, particularly around visual impact, local amenity, and environmental considerations, to strengthen planning applications and anticipate potential objections.