Plans for glamping tourism hub in disused Cork quarry

The plan would deliver more than 60 short-stay accommodation units.  File Picture: iStock

Plans to transform a disused quarry near the County Cork village of Coachford into a substantial tourism hub with log cabins, glamping pods and motorhome bays have been submitted for approval to Cork County Council.

The application, by Lee Valley Glamping Ltd, whose director is Paudie Sheahan, also includes a proposal for a water pond for “bumper boat activities”, an indoor play area with café and mezzanine floor and a two-storey clubhouse with bar and kitchen facilities.

If given the go-ahead, the development would take place on a site of about 15 acres (6ha) adjacent to the Glashagarriff River, a tributary of the River Lee, in the townland of Coolnagearagh and would necessitate the removal of remaining quarrying material and equipment. The plan would deliver more than 60 short-stay accommodation units, including 

• 11 x two-bed log cabins 
• 22 x one-bed log cabins 
• 25 serviced motorhome parking bays 
• 5 serviced glamping pods with fenced enclosed 

It would also include a single-storey reception building and shop, single-storey communal bathroom and shower facilities and site landscaping and lighting.

The proposal to develop the site into a short-stay tourism destination was first floated almost 20 years ago, but was put to bed following the financial crash, according to planning documents. The information is contained in a previous application for a development similar to the current proposal, which was lodged with the Council in 2022 by architect Tony O’Sullivan, on behalf of the current landowner, Paudie Sheahan.

Mr O’Sullivan’s letter outlines how the landowner had operated a small-scale quarry from the eastern side of the site, but now wished to develop the disused section for tourist-related activities.

Mr O’Sullivan said the proposed development had been designed “in accordance with Fáilte Ireland guidelines for camping and caravan parks, with a view to providing a four- or five-star park rating upon completion.

“The level of facilities and services proposed to be provided will assist in achieving this rating,” he said, with finishes selected to be “environmentally friendly”.

“As the site is located in an area of natural beauty [Lee Valley] and on a designated scenic route, the scheme aims to retain a natural feel,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

He added that his client believed the development would “enhance the area significantly and provide much-needed recreational facilities”.

“With the adjacent River Lee catering for a large number of anglers and national/international competitions, as well as the nearby National Rowing Centre and the numbers that draw to the area, the accommodation that would be provided by this proposed site will be a major boost to the local area.” An estimated 30 staff would be employed on site at peak times.

While the 2022 application was subsequently withdrawn, a similar proposal has now been lodged, with a slightly reduced number of motorhome bays (from 31 down to 25) and one less log cabin. Otherwise, it’s substantially the same.

A decision on the current application is due on November 26 next. The site is near Ballyhass Lakes outdoor adventure centre and the Lee Reservoir is to the south of the site.