A decision by Roscommon planners to insure access to bathing waters at Hodson Bay has been welcomed by locals.
Bay Sports on the Hodson Bay in Lough Ree operates a collection of floating slides, rockers and challenges open to the public.
This week saw local planners approve permission to construct several new marquees along with new inflatables on the bay at the well known water park.
The marquees will include a reception and wetsuit collection area, safety briefing tent, accessible changing rooms, observation area and a dinning and gift shop area.
The application has been the source of objections from some in the local community who had highlighted access issues with the popular beach and swimming point on Lough Ree.
A condition of the permission has ordered current fencing to be removed, and new boundary's to be installed in order to maintain access.
Local Spokesperson Flan Barnwell has welcomed the decision:
'I think there are other aspects I raised, the question of accessibility to the lake.
I think on an ongoing basis, it will have to be closely monitored.
Even if it's not monitored in the context of the planning permission granted.
It's something that's vitally important for the many people who swim in the water in the local area.'
