Latest news with #CorkCountyDevelopmentPlan
Irish Examiner
30-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Plans for major solar farm in Cork turned down over archaeological concerns
Plans for a huge solar farm spread across six separate landbanks in the scenic Lee Valley in Cork have been shot down. Cork County Council refused planning for the Aglish Solar Farm Limited project citing archaeological concerns. The 100MW solar farm would have generated enough electricity to power almost 49,000 homes. But planners said the applicant had not demonstrated that enough archaeological investigations had been undertaken to preserve in-situ potential archaeological features and to safeguard archaeological heritage. The proposed development would contravene two specific objectives of the County Development Plan linked to archaeological features, it said, and would seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity, and would set an undesirable precedent if granted permission. 'The proposed development is therefore contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,' they said. The company lodged its planning application with the council late last year, seeking a 10-year permission for a solar farm, on six separate parcels of land totalling some 161 hectares, spread across several rural townlands south of Coachford, the River Lee and the Inniscarra Reservoir, and south east of Carrigadrohid. It was proposed to have an operational lifespan of up to 40 years. It attracted more than 200 submissions from third parties, including dozens of local residents, two residents' groups — the Farran Community Association and the Lee Valley Action Group — and from a 14-year-old boy living in the area, who wrote: 'We learn about alternative energy sources in school, but covering prime grassland is not a solution.' Most submissions cited concerns about the scale of the project, the lack of local consultation, and the visual impact in what is designated as a 'high value landscape' in the Cork County Development Plan. The Lee Valley Action Group acknowledged the need for renewable energy generation but said the project would 'fundamentally alter the character of this rural area and undermine the carrying out of agricultural and other rural-based enterprise'. 'In the absence of any national policy guidance on the development of solar farms, the location of choice for solar developments across the country is overwhelmingly focused almost exclusively on valuable greenfield farmland,' they said. 'This has led to solar energy promoters racing to identify ad hoc sites within the open countryside, which are then assessed in a general policy vacuum on an individual basis. 'Such an approach is not supported either in other EU states or the UK, where the use of commercial, brownfield and poor land is advised, and the use of good agricultural land is only allowed in exceptional circumstances." The council sought further information on several issues, including archaeology, and the applicant's planning consultants said they would complete archaeological geophysical surveys and testing if planning was granted. They said an 'appropriately worded planning condition' would alleviate any archaeological concerns on the site, while facilitating 'a positive and timely decision'. They said the "priority status" afforded to solar farm projects, in terms of fast permitting, overrides public interest when dealing with competing environmental interests, and they pointed to a 'pronounced shortage' of geophysical survey resourcing and capacity in Ireland, which can delay projects. They also cited various Government policy objectives which they said necessitated the fast deployment of renewable energy projects. The council decision can be appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks.
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
‘Sad to see' – Irish punters left devastated as popular 300-year-old pub closes for good
PUNTERS have been left devastated after a popular Irish pub served its final pint over the weekend. The Ramble Inn in Halfway, Co 3 The Ramble Inn has been the only pub in Halfway since the Colman's bar closed its doors 20 years ago Credit: 3 Alan bought the Irish pub in 1981 Credit: The traditional Irish Its closure marked the end of a 44-year era under Alan and Mary Barry's stewardship. Previous owners had included the Sullivan and Hanely families. The renowned Ramble Inn licensed premises is likely to date to the 1800s, with property deeds unearthed to 1709 related to then-landowner Sir Thomas Barter. Read more in Money The Ramble Inn is situated within the village of Halfway just off the Bandon Road (N71), close to the neighbouring village of Ballinhassig, Co Cork. It has been the only pub in Halfway since the Colman's bar closed its doors 20 years ago. Alan Barry told He said: 'There was just the bar and a bit of yard. Most read in Money 'I was in the plant and transport business at the time, working in the docks and for the council, and I made a go of the pub alongside that.' Alan bought the pub from Joe Hanley and since then it has become the centre point for family events, community gatherings and local events. Beloved Italian restaurant chain abruptly closes 4 locations after going bankrupt for third time and fans 'so sad' Speaking about the closure, Alan listed some of the reasons for pubs' demise across the country. He continued: "Home drinking has become very, very popular, especially since the pandemic, and I blame the supermarkets and cheap drink for that.' 'It's sad to see what's happening with the pubs throughout rural Ireland. It's the way of life gone, you know? 'All these places made a living. That's during the famine. And they kept the doors open. Now we're closing them.' Alan said the Irish pub is for sale as there is no one in the family interested in continuing to run the business. The Ramble Inn is now for The two-acre property includes the three-bedroom owners' residence and a useful arrangement of external outhouses And the majority of the lands are situated within the Development Boundary of Halfway as designated under the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028 with an objective "to encourage the development of up to 10 additional dwelling units during the plan period." 3 The Ramble Inn called last orders as the boozer closed its doors for good Credit:
Irish Examiner
22-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Permission for development of 469 homes in Mallow appealed
Plans for a large new development of nearly 500 homes in Mallow given the green light by Cork County Council last month have been appealed. Reside (Castlepark) Ltd made the application last November for a mix of 305 houses and 164 apartments, along with a creche and café, at Castlepark, Castleislands in the north Cork town. However, objections to the plans were raised by local residents, and planners at the council requested further information before granting planning permission. In a statement on behalf of the applicants, McCutcheon Halley Planning Consultants said the proposals would 'contribute to the population targets and housing yield' aimed for in Mallow under the county's development plan. It pointed out that the current site near the existing Castlepark estate and the Scoil Aonghusa Community National School consists of undeveloped lands that had previously had permission, but for which the works were never finished. It proposed to build the 469 housing units in three phases, with the first phase seeing 188 homes built along with a greenway, public park, creche and café. 'The proposed development will result in the creation of a sustainable residential community, and we consider that the proposed development will provide for a much-needed range of housing options in Mallow,' it said. 'The proposed development is located on zoned lands within Mallow's development boundary that has been identified for residential development within the Cork County Development Plan.' However, four separate submissions, including from a local residents group, raised concerns to An Bord Pleanála about the plans. Traffic was a key concern, as was the existing lack of infrastructure in the area, the potential loss of play areas for children and the impact on existing homes near the site. One said: 'St Joseph's Road is already a nightmare to navigate in the mornings and afternoons, so the additional cars on the road are of great concern. This will be a major inconvenience and cause much longer commute times.' Another added: 'We ended up picking this house as it feels like we are living in the countryside. It is peaceful and feels safe. Once this development is built close to us we are basically going to be living in the middle of a housing estate as opposed to being on the periphery like we are now.' Despite these concerns, Cork County Council ultimately decided to grant planning permission for the development after seeking further information from the applicant. Two parties have subsequently lodged appeals with An Bord Pleanála over the green light given to the development. An Bord Pleanála has not yet set a date for when its decision will be made. Read More Opportunities for new Cork home developments starting to open up
Irish Examiner
21-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Former North Cork TB sanitorium for sale for €300k
A sprawling Cork former hospital complex that failed to sell when it first came to market for €350,000 five years ago has had the guide price slashed by €50,000 following a change of agency. Heatherside Hospital, set on more than 20 acres in the Ballyhoura Hills, near Buttevant, was built in 1909 as a sanitorium for tuberculosis (TB) patients at a time when death rates from the disease were spiking in Ireland. It later served as a 180-bed geriatric unit, as well as an overflow facility for the Cork Mental Hospital, before closing permanently in 2010. The complex first came to market at the end of 2020 and generated good interest, but was withdrawn after a short period. More recently, it was the site of protests after reports surfaced that the Government was considering using it to house international protection applicants. However, the move was ruled out last month after it was deemed 'not suitable' by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth. It's back on the market now for €300,000, less than the cost of an average country bungalow, and for that the buyer will get a collection of buildings with a combined floor area of approximately 5,081sq m (54,691sq ft) on a private level site of about 8.32ha (20.55ac). Its potential for development as an outdoor activity centre, hostel, or as a facility for the scouts or girl guides are among the possibilities put forward by selling agents Sherry FitzGerald. 'The property is situated in the Ballyhoura Hills, known for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and fishing,' said agent David McCarthy. 'Potential purchasers might include forestry businesses, outdoor activity operators, tourism entrepreneurs, or those looking to establish a spiritual, yoga, or religious retreat,' the agent added. Coillte owns land adjoining the site. However, it has so far not expressed interest. It falls under the stronger rural area zoning in the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028. The complex, in a secluded cul-de-sac setting about 9km north of Buttevant in the townland of Streamhill West, is 19km north of Mallow and 55km north of Cork City. The buildings include a two-storey hospital dating to 1909 and several ancillary structures, including a church and a house from the 1930s. While some buildings feature in the National Inventory of Buildings of Ireland, they are not listed as protected structures. They've fallen into considerable disrepair since the hospital closed permanently in 2010, and returning them to use would require substantial investment. From a design perspective, the former hospital is an interesting building. It is curved with various projections and numerous rooms opening at ground and first-floor level to terraces and balconies, as befitted a sanatorium, where fresh air and rest were considered the route to recovery for consumptive patients. In fact, the bracing Ballyhoura outdoor setting, reached at the end of a long avenue, was one of the reasons the site was selected for a sanitorium in the first place. It's isolation was another. Built after years of rampant TB, the need for the medical facility was recognised by the wife of the Earl of Aberdeen, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, after a trip abroad brought home to her how much higher the TB death rate was in Ireland compared to other countries. In 1910, the sanitary authorities of County Cork combined with Cork Corporation to establish Heatherside Sanitorium. Access to the site is through a gated entrance along its southern boundary. The property is just a 10- minute drive from the main N20 Cork-Limerick national road and 7km north of Doneraile and the popular Doneraile Wildlife Park. The complex was deemed surplus to HSE requirements in 2024, and licensed by the HSE to the Department of Integration. The department handed it back after deeming it unsuitable for asylum seeker accommodation. It's back on the market now and agents are seeking expressions of interest 'in the region of €300,000'. The property is for sale by tender and the deadline is noon on Thursday, July 3. DETAILS: Sherry FitzGerald Commercial T: 0214270099; E:
Irish Examiner
01-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Developers are eyeing up €2.4m Cloyne lands
A 7.5-acre land parcel in Cloyne, zoned for housing and on the market with a €2.4m guide price, is attracting interest from developers in both East Cork and Cork City. Owned by the estate of builder Dan Kenneally who was behind several popular housing schemes in East Cork, including An Traonach, which adjoins this site — the land is currently being used for agricultural purposes. Buildings in one corner of the site, where there is road frontage, include a cottage and a farmyard with crop sheds, machinery sheds, and a disused general purpose roof shed. To the east of Cloyne village centre, the 3.04ha of development land is zoned existing residential/mixed residential. The agent handling the sale, Ed O'Donovan of Sherry FitzGerald O'Donovan, said there is 'good interest from local developers and from a few developers in Cork City too'. 'The interest is predominantly in residential, but there are some looking at mixed residential/commercial,' Mr O'Donovan added. The site, which is level throughout, with 170m of frontage onto the R631, is suitable for different development uses — with a focus on residential — and is being sold subject to full planning permission. Mr O'Donovan described the land, which he said has the benefit of a positive planning history, as 'a prime development opportunity'. A pedestrian path connects to the centre of Cloyne village, where there is a local primary school, shops, and other amenities. Midleton, the nearest town, is less than a 10-minute drive away, while Cork City is a 30-minute spin. The area is near a choice of East Cork beaches, such as Garryvoe, Youghal, Whitegate, Ballycroneen and Ballybrannigan, The site itself is directly across the road from the Lus an Ime housing estate, another Dan Kenneally scheme, where a three-bed home recently went sale agreed at €380,000. Under the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028, housing density in Cloyne is around 20-35 units per hectare, or 10-15 units per acre 'generally applicable for future development on edge of centre sites'. DETAILS: Ed O'Donovan, SherryFitz O'Donovan. Call: 0214621166; Email: ed@
