Tourism is the key to Inishowen’s future.

This was the main message at the launch of the plans for the Sandy Bay Resort – a huge new hotel in Ballyliffin.

The 25 million euro four-star hotel is set to create around 120 jobs in the peninsula and inject three million euro a year in wages into the economy.

Plans for the new eco-friendly destination resort were unveiled at a press conference at Ballyliffin’s Lodge and Spa Hotel on Monday by businessmen Cecil Doherty, Owen McLaughlin and Sean Keogh.

Belfast-based architects RPP, who have extensive experience in large resort type projects such as Galgorm Manor, have been appointed to develop the project described as “understated elegance”.

Architect Harry O’Connor said it would be “contemporary and grounded in Donegal” and would maximise the stunning environment enveloping it.

The launch was attended by Ballyliffin residents , community and tourist groups, local public representatives, TDs and media.

It is envisaged the hotel – on the site of the former Pollan Beach Hotel – will help attract up to 100,000 visitors annually.

The plans include 104 bedroom/suites, 22 family apartments, state of the art conference and wedding venue facilities, an outdoor pursuits centre, bars and restaurants, indoor children’s play area, créche and expansive gardens stretching out to the beach. 

The Leisure Centre at Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa will be relocated to the Sandy Bay Resort and it will also incorporate a five-star spa.

Managing director of the project Cecil Doherty, said it was “a real investment in the future of our community”.

He said: “This will be talked about worldwide and bring hundreds of visitors.

“When I was growing up in this community I never thought I would have the opportunity to stand up here with these plans.

“I remember as a young boy and being involved in the football club I would dream about some big investor in America bringing us a parcel to create a big football pitch or something great for the community. That parcel has arrived here today.

“We have two serious businessmen who are willing to invest a serious amount of  money in this community.”

Dr James McDaid, TD – who has a holiday home in Ballyliffin – said the hotel was “the project we have been waiting for”.

He said: “With one project such as this we could literally give the injection of life into the construction industry in Inishowen.

“Tourism is going to be a major factor as we move into the future. With one fell swoop we could bring to the economy something we could only have dreamed of.”

Deputy Joe McHugh TD also gave his support to the “ambitious” project and praised Ballyliffin.

Senator Cecilia Keaveney said Ballyliffin was being recognised as “the place to come and stay”.

She said: “The more product we have, the more people we will attract.”

Local resident Brian Harkin said the plans were “a dream come true”.

He said: “As a resident of Ballyliffin I’d like to thank you all for your confidence in the area. It’s great for the people here and I hope the council and planners pull out all the stops.”

The planning application for the resort will be lodged with Donegal County Council on May 26.

The developers said they “respect the right of the planners” to adjust the proposal and aim to rectify a number of infrastructural problems in the area.

They said they – along with a number of other private developers – were hoping to create a “brand new” sewerage  plant for Ballyliffin as the present one was currently at capacity.

They also hoped to address traffic flow problems in the village.

The developers also invited letters of support from the community.

Mr Doherty said: “All support would be a great influence as a reflection of what the community wants.

“We can all help kick-start our faltering  local economy.”