Roscommon County Council has submitted plans to Ireland’s planning authority for the Hodson Bay Waterfront Park project, a proposed redevelopment at Barrymore. The proposal includes an expansion of the existing marina, a new water sports pavilion and improvements to the waterfront.
Set along the western edge of Lough Ree, the proposed development covers about nine hectares at Hodson Bay, close to Athlone and connected to the River Shannon lake system. The site is reached from the N6 via the L2020, with Hodson Bay Hotel and Hodson Bay Golf Course nearby. Along the waterfront are the existing marina and water sports facilities, as well as open grass areas, reedbeds and lakeside spots used for swimming and walking.
According to the planning documents, the existing Waterways Ireland-operated marina would be expanded with a new floating breakwater and a jetty extension, adding about 29 berths and providing approximately 59 berths in total for cruisers and visiting watercraft, with improved access for canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Marina facilities would also be upgraded with electricity, potable water and wastewater pump-out points, alongside a new marina pavilion with toilets and showers.
The water sports building and adjacent public toilet block would be demolished to make way for a new one-storey water sports pavilion. The building would include a café, changing facilities, showers, toilets, storage, office and staff areas, with an enclosed plaza and permanent canopy extending the space outside. Ten seasonal marquee structures would also be included for changing facilities.
Across the waterfront, a continuous promenade would run along the lakeshore, with a secondary path connecting other parts of the site. Public spaces would include landscaping, a playground, a nature observation area, picnic areas, benches, bicycle storage and service areas, as well as sauna pods, a wellness meadow, a swimming canopy and events spaces.
To improve access to the site, the plans propose changes to the L2020, including a shared pedestrian and cycle path between the N61 junction and Hodson Bay Marina. They also include changes to the road and footpaths, new lighting and signage, traffic-calming measures and two bus set-down areas near the water sports pavilion. Parking would be reorganised away from the lakefront, with 151 new spaces proposed as part of a total of 504. The provision would include 30 electric vehicle spaces, 28 accessible spaces, three bus bays and three spaces for boat trailers.
The council says the project aims to strengthen the significance of Hodson Bay as one of the main tourist and recreational attractions in County Roscommon, while improving recreational facilities for local people and visitors. It also seeks to create more opportunities for outdoor activity and improve physical and visual connections with Lough Ree and the River Shannon lake system.
The planning application, Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement are available for public viewing until 16 October 2026, with a decision on the application due by 18 February 2027.
