Plan for campervan site in Laois village

A PLANNING application for a campervan site in a beautiful heritage village has been lodged with Laois Co Council.

The plan for Timahoe aims to enhance facilities for visitors to the area, where the magnificent 12th century round tower and heritage centre are an important tourist attraction.

The proposed campervan park would be developed on a long-vacant site near the centre.

Applicant Roghan Headen has requested permission for a park containing six campervan aires, together with two short stay accommodation pods. Aires are low-cost motorhome camping areas where basic services such as water, waste disposal, showers, toilets and electricity are provided.

The Timahoe development would also include a facilities building, upgrade of the existing site entrance, a new wastewater treatment system, percolation area and other site services.

In a submission supporting the application, Mr Headen said the development would help to promote tourism and boost the local economy.

He said: ‘Timahoe village and the surrounding area currently has no facilities for campervans to stay overnight. There is also no form of short stay accommodation available in the village or surrounding area.

‘Throughout the year, there are a considerable number of tourists, both overseas and domestic, who visit the village for the attractions such as the round tower, heritage centre, looped walks etc. Once on site, all visitors can enjoy what the local area has to offer either by walking or cycling, which will make the development sustainable and not increase traffic movements in the area.’ 

The submission added: ‘The proposed development will provide much needed short stay, sustainable accommodation in the village and for the surrounding area of county Laois. The repurpose of the existing vacant site will improve the general appearance in the area, along with attracting increased tourism into the area.

‘The development will lend itself to supporting the Village Heritage Festival, which is growing year on year and is a huge success in the area. The development of a campervan site in Timahoe village presents a valuable opportunity to support rural tourism and enhance local economic activity.

‘By providing a low impact, sustainable tourism facility, this project will not only attract visitors but also strengthen the local economy and encourage greater community engagement with Timahoe’s cultural and natural assets.’ 

Submissions on the application must be made to Laois Co Council by 15 September and a decision is due by 6 October.

Laois Co Council is currently developing a policy on the provision and promotion of campervan sites, with details due to come before councillors this September.

The plans were outlined at the council’s latest monthly meeting, after Cllr Marie Tuohy said that Laois was “missing a trick” in the booming campervan market.