Plans for south Armagh holiday park get approval

Hearty's Folk Cottage. (Credit: Aoife Daly).

A multi-million pound south Armagh holiday park has been approved for development.

The investment at Hearty’s Folk Cottage in Crossmaglen will include an extension of 17 chalets to the existing hospitality business.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s (NMDDC) planning committee signed off on the recommendation for approval without any requests made for speaking rights at Tuesday’s (July 10) meeting.

The initial application by Crossmaglen developer, Aoife Daly for 14 chalets was increased to 17 with three different designs to be constructed.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) Mrs Daly said: “We’re very pleased with the decision to grant planning permission.

“Special thanks go to the local planning team and councillors who supported the scheme making for a smooth planning journey.

“We hope so start works once all conditions have been met and anticipate the proposal will generate up to 10 jobs building upon the recent successful restoration of Hearty’s Cottage.”

A public consultation was carried out on the plans in May 2023 with only eight members of the public attending.

No objections were made during the planning application process.

The investment is expected to boost overall tourism to the south Armagh area and generate further employment at the holiday park once completed.