Approval for artists' commune development in Clonfinlough

An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted permission for an artists commune at 'Lakelands', Clonfinlough, near Clonmacnoise.

In granting approval for the project on appeal, the planning commission overturned a previous refusal by Offaly County Council in late 2024.

Businessman Tony Kilduff submitted plans for the eco-friendly development to Offaly County Council in February 2024. However, the local planning authority refused the planning application that December on conservation grounds.

The proposed development, which has now been granted subject to eleven conditions, will comprise four new single-storey dwellings, three of which are single bed live/work artist studio units and the fourth house will be a two-bed house for the sole use of the owner/client.

The units are proposed to be stand alone and 'off-grid' with power for the units to be provided by a solar array laid out at ground level on the site.

Citing its reasons for approving the development, An Coimisiún Pleanala said it considered the documents submitted with the application and "all other relevant submissions on file" and "carried out an appropriate assessment in relation to the potential effects" of the proposed development.

The national planning board "accepted and adopted the appropriate assessment carried out" on site and concluded that the proposed development "would not adversely affect" conservation in the area.

An Coimisiún Pleanala determined that the proposed development "would be acceptable in terms of traffic and pedestrian safety and visual amenity" and, therefore, was in accordance with "the proper planning and sustainable development" of the area.

An Coimisiún Pleanala also said it considered the proposed development a "unique" cultural offering that would "facilitate the role of the arts" and "establish a creative hub" in the region.

Tony Kilduff applied for permission to build studios on a small part of a 40-acre site he bought in his home area of Clonfinlough. According to his initial proposal to the council, in February 2024, the idea was to "foster creativity in a quiet and eco-friendly environment" that would be economically viable.

"It is proposed that the development will be used as a non-profit, workshop type model and as such will only facilitate artists or people connected with the arts and education in that discipline," the planning permission submitted to Offaly County Council stated.

The development at 'Lakelands', Clonfinlough, also proposes the refurbishment of an old, single-storey, stone-built, farm cottage to be repurposed as a communal kitchen and dining area and extended to provide a toilet block on the north gable of the cottage. The refurbishment of an access road and gateway from the public road is also included in plans for the proposed development.

Mr Kilduff, an honorary council member of the Royal Hibernian Academy, which supports artists, lodged his appeal for the proposed development with An Coimisiún Pleanála in January 2025.