JP Ledwidge and Olivia Hutchinson of CABÜ in Killykeen. Photo: Lorraine Teevan

D-Day for €4M Killykeen revamp

The council will decide next week whether to grant permission to a British firm as it seeks to expand upon their initial investment in the Killykeen holiday complex.
Phase 2 of the overall €4 million revamp envisages the addition of amenities such as a shop, off-licence, bar and restaurant, and outdoor spa area as well as a lounge area ahead of reopening.
Killykeen Forest Holidays Ltd, owned by London-based entrepreneurs JP Ledwidge and Olivia Hutchinson, will learn if their application for planning is successful next Tuesday, July 24.
Killykeen Forest Holidays Ltd purchased the near 74 acre complex, with 28 Scandi-style wooden chalets an equestrian centre and boathouse in 2017 at a price close to €750,000.
From the outset they revealed their intention to pump life back into the beleaguered facilities, once a hugely popular vacation destination, with a plan that includes the addition of 20 of their own CABÜ modular cabins.
The current application however seeks to utilise one of the existing buildings as shop and off-license, as well as carry out alterations to fenestration on all elevations and roof. The company also hope to use a larger amenity building as a clubhouse, complete with bar and restaurant, and erect a single storey extension to front as well as to the side to incorporate a toilet block. 
A plant and storage building meanwhile will be transformed into changing rooms, with the addition of three external seating pods to the side.
Finally, a new outdoor spa area see the development of hot tub pods, sauna barrels and a new single storey treatment room building, while the former tennis court will be replaced by an outdoor seating and lounge structure known as ‘The Sitooterie’.