Lengthy planning delay is ‘stifling’ town’s investment

Youghal Town Council is to complain to An Bord Pleanála over a planning decision delay of almost a year which it claims is stifling investment in the town.

Aldi and McDonald’s have both lodged applications for developments on an eyesore site in the town’s strand area. A motor-caravan park, 500 metres from the site, has also been sanctioned by the town council.

Planning permission had been sought and approved last October by Seafield Enterprises to press ahead with the development of a derelict 20-acre site — the former Seafield fabrics factory.

The council considered the proposal to be valuable towards stimulating jobs and economic activity in the area. Latest figures show there are 1,867 people unemployed in Youghal.

After two appeals, the matter was referred to An Bord Pleanála. Two residents objected.

A second appeal, by a Limerick-based planning consultancy, represented a prominent retail group.

In the meantime, three fire outbreaks in the derelict building have alarmed some of the residents, especially as the disused factory has an asbestos roof.

Town clerk Liam Ryan, at the council’s September meeting said “there is not even a decision date set aside on the board’s website”.

Cork County Mayor Barbara Murray, also a local councillor, said investors normally factor in 18 weeks for appeals. The delay, she said, was a disgrace and could deter investment.

The meeting, meanwhile, also backed a proposal presented by Mr Ryan for a 62-bay motorhome park on the approach road to nearby Claycastle beach.

The project, on a 6.6-acre council-owned vacant site adjacent to Aura Leisure Centre and Youghal Pitch and& Putt club, also includes an all-weather tennis and basketball court, playground and picnic area.

It is envisaged the project will cater for short-stay motor caravans up to eight meters long and normally containing on-board power and water supplies, washrooms, showers, toilets and food preparation facilities.

In recent years, Youghal has become popular among motorhome owners and their associations across Ireland, Britain and mainland Europe.

Phoenix Motorhome Club Ireland recently wrote to the town council offering assistance in developing any such parking amenity.

The provision of such a facility, it had been emphasised, would likely prove a major tourist boost for the seaside town.