The proposed development on a 70-acre site between Courtlough Road and Balrothery Road will also include a 1344 sq m extension to the clubhouse to accommodate seminar rooms and bar facilities along with new dining areas and changing rooms.

Owner Bill Flynn is hopeful approval will be granted for the development after a consultant's report requested by the council concluded there will be "no increase in noise levels due to the layout and design of the shooting area".

"We're hoping to have planning permission within a month or so. A lot of our business would be corporate tourism. Most places use golf to attract that type of clientele. We're offering visitors a host of leisure facilities including the shooting range, archery, fishing, the equestrian centre and a golf driving range."

The planned equestrian centre will include a stable building to accommodate 20 stables, a caretaker's accommodation/office building with attached seminar facility and 19 car spaces.

There will be an outdoor horse trekking area, a fishing lake with 10 stand areas, an archery range, a funsport area to include climbing wall, a dog trekking area and an adventure sport/paintball area.

Courtlough was set up in 1996 by Bill and his father Richard, both former Irish Olympians. The range currently operates on 23 acres of land and can cater for up to 200 guests per day.

Clay pigeon and target shooting as well as archery are the most popular pursuits at the range. Professional equipment including ammunition and hearing protection is provided and individual visitors and groups are accompanied by a professional instructor.

Activities take place under all-weather covers so amenities are available all year round.

"We have around 500 members who use the facilities on a regular basis. Obviously with the extension we'll be hoping to increase that number considerably, " says Flynn.

Courtlough Shooting Grounds: 01-841 3096