- Developer Rob Roche confirms commitment to €180m Kilmore Quay resort project despite planning refusal
- An Coimisiún Pleanála overturned approval citing scale and visual impact concerns
- Local objections highlighted population doubling and infrastructure strain fears
- Developer pledges to fund 1.6km water network upgrade and address capacity issues
- Revised design amendments planned to allow resubmission of planning application
Local developer Rob Roche has remained fully committed to delivering the €180m five-star resort in Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford, confirming plans to modify and progress the project despite recent planning refusal. An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) overturned Wexford County Council’s initial approval following significant local objections.
The planning board’s inspector, Ciara McGuinness, cited several key factors for refusing permission to the Nova Connect Ltd development: the board ruled that the scale was not respectful of the existing area and would visually overwhelm the village’s low-rise settlement pattern. Local appeals highlighted that the massive hotel would essentially double the population of the working fishing village when full, altering its local amenity. ACP stated that the developer failed to sufficiently demonstrate an essential need to place the massive tourist infrastructure in this specific unique and scenic location.
While lobby groups have expressed deep concerns over potential strains on the local wastewater treatment network and water supply, Mr Roche addressed these concerns directly: The developer pledged to entirely fund a required 1.6km upgrade of the local water network. Project architect Stephen Carr noted that up to 95 pc of locals historically recognised the generational economic benefits and employment potential the resort would yield. The original ambitious 20.3-hectare blueprint featured a 163-room integrated hotel, 42 family suites, and 55 self-catering lodges. It also outlined extensive amenities, including a 5-star spa, leisure centre, and local-accessible cycling paths. Rather than abandoning the development, Mr Roche indicated his team is confident that incorporating necessary design amendments will allow a revised, context-compliant variation of the Kilmore Quay Integrated Resort Hotel to resume the planning process successfully.
Rob Roche shared: “I was born, raised, and continue to live locally and have never considered, nor will I ever consider, an IPAS centre on my family’s land. This is a five-star destination resort, designed to the highest standards.” This development is about lifting the entire community together.”
