Permission granted for Inishowen outdoor water sports park

A new outdoor water sports park is set to be constructed in Inishowen, after planning permission was granted, with 17 conditions. 

Water and Wildwood founder, Marie Wylie, had sought permission to construct an outdoor activity park, which will include areas for open-water sports and eight overnight chalet accommodation units, such as tents and yurts, at Gortcormacan in Burnfoot. 

The activity area will be located between Muff and Burnfoot, close to Barr’s Quarry.

It is intended that accommodation at the activity park will be facilitated by the conversion of part of an existing agricultural shed to an administration building with office, kitchen and showering facilities, with connection to a new septic tank and reed bed and wetland secondary treatment system.

Donegal County Council granted planning permission subject to 17 conditions. One notable condition is that the use of the existing cottage for overnight accommodation is to be used only for customers using the outdoor activity park and should not be used for any separate short-term leases without a separate grant of planning permission.

The planning authority added that “the use of the existing cottage for overnight accommodation shall not commence until the outdoor activity park has been constructed and is operational.”

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The Council also instructed that construction of the eight overnight chalet accommodation units shouldn't commence until the outdoor activity park has been constructed and is operational.

Another condition is that any excess water from rainwater, surface water, and run-off from paved areas is to be discharged into a container and passed through an oil interceptor prior to being discharged into any watercourse. The interceptor is to be fitted with a monitored alarm and a shut-off valve for the containment of any pollutant spillages. 

Amongst the conditions is that before the activity park becomes operational, the existing entrance is to be widened. 

Currently, Water and Wildwood operates as a retreat space for private hire with self-catering accommodation on land with a private forest and lake. 

Marie Wylie, in her application, had outlined how the proposed development would respond to a growing demand for nature-based and outdoor activity tourism in Donegal. 

“With a rising interest in wellness retreats, eco-tourism, and outdoor recreation, there is a clear need for facilities that offer immersive experiences in natural settings. Wild swimming and paddleboarding have gained popularity as low-impact, sustainable activities that attract a broad demographic, from families to adventure seekers.”