County’s biggest hotel ‘will benefit region hit by tourism decline’
The president of the Cork branch of the Irish Hotels’ Federation, John Gately, confirmed this yesterday. It will be built on the seafront at Owenahincha.
He said it was welcome news, especially for West Cork, which had suffered of late from a decline in tourism.
Irish & European Properties Ltd, a development company based in Dublin, have been granted permission by Cork County Council to build the hotel, which will also include conference facilities, swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and a bar. They have also been given the go-ahead to construct two retail units.
“The whole area will benefit from it, there’s no doubt about that. Tourism in Co Cork has been in decline,” said Mr Gately.
“Rural tourism is suffering from the growth in urban tourism. Visitors, especially from the UK, are taking more weekend breaks in urban areas,” he added.
However, with improved facilities in West Cork and the eagerly-awaited redevelopment of Cork Airport, Mr Gately said this trend could be reversed.
County council planners, fresh from marathon meetings on the County Development Plan, have granted permission for a several houses in Bweeng village.
Local developer Kathleen Corbett can now proceed with 26 units at Shanavoher, Bweeng. The project will consist of 18 houses and four other buildings, each comprising two retail units on the first floor and two apartments overhead.
Planners have received an application for a further 47 houses at Newmarket. These will be built by Ballinhassig developer Ken Mahon.
There was good news yesterday for the board of management at Cloghroe National School. They have been given permission to proceed with a major project. It will see the construction of a detached two-storey block, containing eight classrooms, a general purpose room and ancillary accommodation.
