By Dan Walsh at Kilmore Quay
Local developer, Rob Roche, has attracted significant interest from international operators for a proposed Integrated Tourism Resort development in Kilmore Quay. The details of the plan were unveiled during a public information event held at Stella Maris Community Centre, Kilmore Quay, last Friday.
The Resort project is estimated to have a construction cost in the region of €180 million.
“Given its location and site topography on the edge of the village the resort does not impact on the unique historic village centre and allows Kilmore Quay to continue to grow organically”, stated Mr Roche.
The Resort, when operational, is expected to employ between 120-200 people directly and approximately 100 people indirectly, giving a huge boost to local employment. The construction phase of the Resort is expected to take three years and will create many direct and indirect employment opportunities locally.
The development aims to promote sustainable tourism with significant biodiversity landscaping to encourage longer stays and provide year-round economic benefits to the local community. This ensures the resort remains attractive and commercially viable for a sole operator.
The development intends to drive lasting environmental, tourism, economic and social benefits for Kilmore Quay, Wexford, and the wider region.
The developer outlined several 5-star Resort Hotel operators have already expressed interest in operating the Resort, and once planning permission is secured, the best operator will be selected. It will be managed by a single entity controlling all the resort features which include the hotel self-catering lodges, the farmstead, and leisure facilities.
Mr Roche describes the integrated resort with 163 rooms, 42 family suites and 55 self-catering lodges, a leisure centre (gym and swimming pools), 5-star spa, outdoor paddle courts, mini-golf, playground, cafe, restaurant, and pedestrian friendly cycling; walking routes around the development, including a link to Kilmore Quay village centre and Nemestown, accessible by locals and day visitors.
The resort very much aligns with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland’s growth and vision attracting international tourists to Ireland and Wexford. Designed to complement and not compete with Kilmore Quay businesses. The delivery of the resort will tackle known seasonal issues currently existing in Kilmore Quay. Bringing sustainable employment opportunities for the community by attracting visitors throughout the year.
“This is a transformative opportunity for Kilmore Quay, the vision is to create a resort that not only offers world-class hospitality but is poised to become a flagship destination for Ireland’s luxury tourism market, greatly enhancing the local economy and celebrating the character of the region,” Mr Roche told WexfordLocal.com.
Mr Roche confirms he is proceeding with the planning application for the Integrated Tourism Resort Hotel in the knowledge he will need to contribute to the capital cost to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant to Phase 2. “This planning permission was granted to Uisce Éireann, and the plant can be extended once there is a requirement for capacity. They have constructed phase 1, which involved the major components of the new treatment plant including the pumped rising main in the public road. As the site is adjacent to the treatment plant, we can connect directly without carrying out works in the public realm”, he stated.
The application is expected to be lodged with Wexford County Council in June 2025 following the public successful information event held in Kilmore Quay last Friday.
WexfordLocal.com 