Changes to holiday rental pods at Emo Court in Laois lodged
Retention planning permission sought for short-term letting units at one of Laois’ top attractions
Retention planning permission for holiday rental pods at Emo Court has been lodged with Laois County Council.
Elizabeth Delaney & Kevin Byrne were previously granted permission for short-term letting units at The Gate Lodge, Emo Village. Due to a change in design they have now gone back to the local authority to rectify the planning status.
“The huts or pod units that the applicant applied for were unavailable at the time of construction and an alternative design was given by the manufacturer to replicate shepherd’s huts with half round roofs,” the planning documents state.
“These are in keeping with the envisaged designs in theory of the short-term accommodation and we are seeking to rectify the planning status on these huts.”
In the original application the applicant said the additional accommodation “will enhance the tourist attraction of the area and will also help with the business model as developed by the applicant.”
"This small scale glamping project will entice tourists into the village and make use of the amenities of the public house and restaurant, local shops and walkways.”
The publicly owned Emo Court house is managed by the Office of Public Works, and its extensive grounds by Coillte. The estate was gifted to the Irish State in 1994 by its since deceased owner Major Chomoley Harrison. Last year 305,539 visitors were recorded at Emo Court and Parklands according to the latest figures from the OPW.
Laois County Council is due to make a decision on the application by August 16, 2026.