Farm diversification with three guest cabins, camping area, and solar power on Inishturk

Augustine and Suzanne O’Toole have submitted a planning application to Mayo County Council to transform their farm on Inishturk into an agri‑tourism venture. The proposal, received on 7 May 2026 and due for decision on 1 July 2026, outlines a self‑sufficient development that will add new accommodation and recreational facilities to the existing farm holding at Garranty, Inishturk, Co Mayo.

The core of the plan is the construction of three guest cabins that will provide private lodging for visitors. In addition, the O’Tooles intend to build a communal recreational cabin equipped with toilet and shower facilities, which will be available for use by all guests. A separate ancillary utility cabin is also proposed to house the necessary support equipment for the site. Together, these structures will form the backbone of the agri‑tourism enterprise, offering a range of accommodation options that cater to families, couples and solo travellers looking to experience rural life on the island.

A serviced camping area is also part of the scheme. The site will provide pitches for tents and caravans, with basic amenities to support a comfortable stay. The developers have indicated that the camping area will be designed to blend with the surrounding landscape, preserving the natural character of Inishturk while providing a new source of income for the farm.

Energy generation and water management are key components of the proposal. The O’Tooles plan to install a ground‑mounted solar array that will be coupled with battery storage. This renewable energy system is intended to supply power to the cabins, the recreational cabin and the camping facilities, reducing reliance on the national grid and lowering operating costs. The battery storage will ensure that electricity is available even when solar generation is low, making the development more resilient.

Water treatment will be handled through a private wastewater treatment system and a percolation area. The system will treat all on‑site wastewater, with the treated water then percolating into the ground. This approach is designed to minimise environmental impact and comply with local environmental regulations. The developers have also proposed native landscaping around the site to integrate the new structures into the existing farm environment and to enhance biodiversity.

The O’Toole application is part of a broader trend of farm diversification in County Mayo. In recent weeks, the council has received several other planning applications that combine residential development with on‑site wastewater treatment, such as a dwelling house and garage with a tertiary treatment system in Coollodge, Balyhean, and a dry storage shed that will also serve as a gym in Louisburgh. These projects reflect a growing interest among local farmers to expand their income streams while maintaining sustainable practices.

Mayo County Council’s planning authority will review the application in the context of the county’s development plan and environmental policies. The council will consider the potential impact on the local community, the environment and the island’s character. The decision, scheduled for 1 July 2026, will determine whether the O’Tooles can proceed with the construction of the cabins, the camping area, the solar array and the wastewater treatment system.

If approved, the project could bring new visitors to Inishturk, providing a boost to the local economy and offering residents a chance to experience the island’s natural beauty and agricultural heritage. The O’Tooles have expressed a commitment to creating a development that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible, with a focus on renewable energy and sustainable water management.

The application also includes a detailed site plan that shows how the new structures will be positioned relative to the existing farm buildings and the surrounding landscape. The developers have indicated that the cabins will be constructed using locally sourced materials where possible, further supporting the local economy.

The council’s decision will be communicated to the applicants and the public through the usual channels, and the outcome will be recorded in the council’s planning register. The O’Tooles will be able to proceed with construction once the necessary approvals are in place, subject to any conditions imposed by the council.

For more details, see the Mayo County Council planning file (Reference 2660359) and the localnews.ie article.

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