Hodson Bay eco-resort gets planning go-ahead

A major eco-resort development, aimed at providing a low carbon visitor destination at Yew Point peninsula, Hodson Bay, has been given the planning go-ahead by Roscommon County Council.

The company behind the venture, New Island Resorts Limited, has previously described the project as “a low density visitor destination, which is low carbon in terms of materials proposed and in operation through the use of renewable energy sources”, and has minimal environmental impact on the site located at Yew Point, Hodson Bay.  

This sprawling peninsula of unspoiled meadowland and native woodlands in the townland of Barrymore, Kiltoom is located at the edge of Lough Ree adjacent to the Hodson Bay Hotel. The proposed site extends to more than 147 acres, and the proposed development has a site coverage of 0.52%.  The detailed plans propose the construction of 36 timber eco-cabins, 12 family cabins and 24 two-person cabins raised on stilts above ground levels to “conserve existing ground conditions and preserve through routes for movement of wildlife”.

The proposals make provision for four timber guest shelters distributed across the site, and a covered shelter to facilitate the charging and storing of electric golf buggies.  Forty eight car parking spaces are proposed and include 10 EV charging spaces. New Island Resorts Limited said the renewable solar photovoltaic panels will be the primary source of energy generation for the entire development.

The company notes that “a fundamental objective of the development” is the conservation and protection of all existing woodland areas and the natural environment.   Former woodland areas towards the centre of the Yew Point peninsula will be regenerated through the extensive planting of native tree species of Irish provenance.

Hodson Bay Group’s Chairman John O’Sullivan is a company director of New Island Resorts Limited, the company behind the ambitious eco-project.  The hotel group acquired Yew Point peninsula a number of years ago.

A looped walking trail, which includes some lakeshore access and a fairy trail for children, has already been created around the peninsula.