Killykeen holiday complex revamp gets go-ahead

The first phase of a multi-million euro revamp of the holiday complex at Killykeen Forest Park has been given the green light. Cavan County Council granted planning permission to Killykeen Forest Holidays Ltd to change the use of a small amenity building to shop and off licence, as well as carry out alterations to the fenestration on all elevations and roof.
A total of 13 conditions have been attached to the planning permission, including that the company must pay close to €20,000 to the planning authority as a development contribution.
Prior to the commencement of the development also, Killykeen Forest Holidays Ltd must lodge a cash bond of €10,000 to secure the ongoing satisfactory compliance with the conditions of the discharge licence.
As part of the conditions, a detailed Construction Waste Management Plan (CWMP), and a detailed invasive species management plan, must be submitted to the Planning Department of Cavan County Council.
No surface water from roofs or paved areas shall flow from the site, and all sound trees on site, including those in surrounding hedgerows, shall be retained.
Other changes rubber stamped for the site include the change of a larger amenity building to clubhouse, which will include a bar and restaurant. Attached to this will be the erection of a single-storey extension to front and an additional single-storey toilet block to side.
An existing plant and storage building will have its use changed into a plant and changing rooms, with the addition of three new external seating pods to side with all associated alterations to elevations. 
Along with the changes, are plans to erect a new outdoor spa area incorporating hot tub pods, sauna barrels and a new single-storey treatment room building.
There are plans too for an outdoor seating and lounge area structure, known as ‘The Sitooterie’, on the location of former tennis court, as well as connection to the existing services and ancillary site works.
The redeveloped centre will be in a position to cater for more than 100 visitors once fully up and running.
A second phase of development is still in the pipeline and hinged on the success of the first phase application.
Killykeen Forest Holidays Ltd is a company owned by London-based entrepreneurs JP Ledwidge and Olivia Hutchinson.
The duo 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 invest up to €4M and to pump life back into the beleaguered facilities, once a hugely popular vacation destination, with future plans that includes the addition of 20 of their own CABÜ-branded modular cabins.