Wineport gets green light for floating 'pod' guest rooms

Glasson's Wineport Lodge has been given the go-ahead to construct three floating 'pod' type guest rooms, along with a small link deck.

Westmeath County Council granted planning permission to Ray Byrne for the development on October 8 last, subject to seven conditions.

The development will also include associated drainage and water services connections to Wineport Lodge existing services and the application included an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report.

Before construction begins, an updated Construction & Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) must be lodged with the council.

This plan will provide the environmental management framework to be adhered to during the pre-commencement, construction and operational phases, and will ensure that the potential for any environmental impacts will be minimised.

All mitigation measures identified in all environmental reports are to be implemented, and included in this plan.

It is to detail the methodology for putting the pods in the water.

The CEMP is also to include the preparation of an invasive species management plan on foot of the presence of Zebra Mussel and appropriate control measures are to be put in place so as not to introduce a new invasive species into the site.

The council has specified that all mitigation measures outlined in the Natura Impact Statement and Ecological Impact Statement submitted by the applicant on August 14 are to be implemented in full.

A suitably qualified ecologist/ecological clerk of works is to undertake pre-construction surveys, to include searches for but not limited to assessment of small mammals, bats and birds, particularly occupied nests in advance of works if commencing during the breeding season.

Any lighting during construction or operation is to be designed and installed to minimise the impact on local wildlife, particularly bats.

The applicant must also pay a development contribution of €2,293.32 to the council.

The planning application was made on December 20 last.

Westmeath County Council sought further information in February, which was then received in August, which the council sought to be publicised as significant further information.

Planning permission was granted earlier this month.

The planning file includes correspondence from Waterways Ireland which expressed support in principle for the project.

“This proposed development aligns with the strategic initiatives outlined in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan of ‘Enhancing Waterside Visitor Experiences’ along the Shannon.

The letter was written in support of an application to the Just Transition Funding scheme to develop the three floating pods.