14-05-2025
Plans lodged for new ziplining adventure centre in East Cork
Plans for a new adventure centre in East Cork have been submitted to the county council.
Developer Zipit Forest Adventures Ltd has sought planning permission to install an adventure activity course on Fota Island.
The proposed course will include a net adventure area, multi-activity area, tubing course, zip lines, a low ropes area, and ancillary activities.
Permission is also being sought for a single-storey reception cabin and a single-storey staff welfare cabin, toilet facilities and all associated site and ancillary works on land at Fota Island, Carrigtwohill. The proposed site lies within the curtilage of Fota House, which is a Recorded Protected Structure.
Zipit Forest Adventures is a seasonal ropes business with locations across Cork, Dublin, Roscommon and an office in Waterford. It was acquired by Cork-based Cool Runnings Events in 2021, leading to the merging of two family businesses.
Headquartered in Little Island, Cool Runnings is known for both zip-lining and for its seasonal ice rink attractions and has been operating since 2007.
Cork County Council are due to decide on the case by July 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, plans for 90 new homes in Cork City have been approved by An Bord Pleanála.
Cork City Council initially granted permission in January last year to developer Lyonshall Limited to demolish an existing dwelling and construct 90 new homes at 'Villa Maria' and adjacent lands at Skehard Road in Cork.
The proposed development consisted of 26 one-bed units and 48 two-bed units across three apartment buildings, ranging from four to five storeys in height. It also included 12 two-storey townhouses, comprising five two-bed units and seven three-bed units, as well as four two-bed duplex units.
However, the plans were appealed to An Bord Pleanála following concerns that the development would have negative impacts on the character of the local area, its amenities and its density.
However, siding with the council, An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the development with 25 conditions.
