Tipperary farmer to diversify farm with new agri-tourism and biodiversity centre
A Tipperary farmer is set to diversify his farm by opening a new agri-tourism facility aimed at teaching visitors about farming and biodiversity.
Sean O’Farrell applied to Tipperary County Council to develop an agri-tourism educational development on his farm in Moneygall, on the Tipperary/Offaly border.
Under the plans, Mr O’Farrell would add a single-storey classroom with toilet facilities, a kitchenette, a wheelchair ramp, and a car park, in an attempt to educate locals and tourists alike about farming, biodiversity, and the land.
An agent acting on behalf of Mr O’Farrell said that the facility will educate visitors “in relation to nature, biodiversity and farming and the relationship between the two.”
The proposed development would be called Eye on Nature, and according to planning documents, Mr O’Farrell says he would link in with local schools to arrange field days.
“The development will contribute to rural resilience by creating a new, sustainable income stream for my farm, allowing for the diversification of agricultural activities.
“We will collaborate with local schools for educational outreach and source supplies from local businesses, ensuring that tourism revenue circulates within the community and supports its long-term vitality,” he said.
The development will also create jobs, both directly and indirectly, according to documents submitted with the application.
Planning documents also show that the agri-tourism facility will only be open from March to October, and will see small numbers of people visiting.
In the low season, between 10 and 20 people will visit the site each week, with this number rising to 30 people each week during peak season.
All groups will be pre-booked, according to the planning files.
Tipperary County Council has now granted planning permission for the development, subject to 10 conditions.
Included among the conditions are that the educational facility can only run between the hours of 7am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday, and that no signs be put up advertising the facility without having gotten planning permission first.
The council also stipulated that all existing hedgerows on the site be maintained and strengthened, and that vehicular access to the site be set back by five metres from the road to ensure traffic safety.
Mr O’Farrell must also pay the council a financial contribution of €1,760 for the connections to public services that the facility will benefit from.