An 18-hole parkland golf course is being proposed for a 160-acre site of agricultural land close to Claregalway, Co Galway.
The course, in Cregmore, will include an adjoining clubhouse with guest rooms and a restaurant. Up to 3,000 trees will be planted as part of the overall development, which includes an extensive landscaping plan.
The proposal is being put forward by Catherine and Murty McGrath of Oakwood Golf Ltd who have lodged a planning application for the development with Galway County Council.
Access to the course will be off a local road from the Galway to Monivea road. The site itself is about 15 km by road from the city centre.
An estimated 70 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the course and the developers envisage the facility becoming an international destination for local and professional golfers.
Apart from attracting a large number of local members from surrounding residential areas, the course will be a major asset in further developing recreational tourism.
The plans for the course have been compiled by Douglas Wallace Architects and Designers which is overseeing the project's planning application.
The proposed Cregmore course has been designed by Dr Arthur Spring, one of Ireland's top golf course designers.
His design aims to maintain and protect the natural features on the site such as an ancient wooded ringfort and souterrain, as well as parts of an old estate wall.
Additional features of the site will include several bunkers on each hole and a large water feature before the 16th green.
The developers say the ground is naturally well-drained, making it ideal for all-year-round playing conditions.