Casey’s object to bars in new Grand Parade hostel

Casey’s Furniture is one of a number of entities which have lodged appeals with An Bord Pleanála regarding planning permission given for a hostel and bar on Grand Parade, Cork.

Earlier this year, An Bord Pleanála granted permission to redevelop the former Fáilte Ireland tourist office at 40-42 Grand Parade to provide 246 hostel beds in 48 rooms over six floors in a new venue called Tourist House.

The development includes a large alteration and conservation project, which includes building a ground floor bar and rooftop terrace.

Speaking to The Echo, Peter Casey said he has no problem with the hotel, just the bar.

“I’m a retailer with nine large-scale, super bars catering for 400-500 people within 150 metres of me, that is my only issue,” he said.

“I have no problem with a hostel, but there is enough night-time economy around me already. I am a daytime retailer, I need footfall, I want to see daytime retail around me.

“I am paying big rates to be here, over €170,000 a year in rates. I need footfall.”

The planning permission for the new hostel has received a number of appeals, including from the developer of the project Bluescape Ltd.

The original plans require some amendments, as An Bord Pleanála has included some stipulations to their planning permission.

The top floor of the building is to be removed, in the interest of integration with the existing environment.

The developer, Bluescape Ltd, which is a subsidiary of Westhill UK, were also told to install windows facing on to Rochford Lane running alongside the building where the bar would be located in the interest of improving the vibrancy and surveillance of the area.

Brittany Ferries, which have an outlet alongside the proposed development, have also lodged an appeal to the planning permission.

An Bord Pleanála aims to decide on the appeal within 18 weeks.