Stryker gets planning permission to expand Carrigtwohill plant

Stryker in Cork is set to expand its manufacturing facility in Carrigtwohill, following the granting of conditional planning permission from An Bord Pleanala.

The company, with premises in the IDA Business Park, Anngrove, will expand into a greenfield site, located to the north of the existing Stryker manufacturing facility.

The purpose of the development is to accommodate a new 3D print production floor.

The extension, which is over 14,700sq/m, will be part two-storey and part three-storey, and will be, at most, 17 metres high.

At ground floor level the building is set to accommodate a double height production area, offices, canteen, and locker rooms.

The first-floor level will have a production area with labs and offices and the second-floor level will accommodate offices.

The extension is linked to the existing building via three ground floor level walkways.

Cork County Council had granted permission for the facility, subject to 25 conditions, despite receiving six submissions or objections. The development was subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanala who have now given the green light subject to 15 revised conditions.

A third-party appeal was submitted to An Bord Pleanala on the development which was generally supportive of the economic and employment benefits of the expansion. 

However, the appellant raised concerns such as the building could be operational 24 hours a day and said that due to the height of the building it could result in excessive light pollution which would impact on residential amenities and wildlife.

She also said that details surrounding potential emissions from the site were not sufficient and that the applicant could not be trusted to act in the best interest of the community or the environment.

The applicant said that the development would not produce any significant emissions either at construction phase or operational phase, while also making assurances about excess lighting in the area. 

The applicant also made the point that the current facility operates 24 hours a day.

An Bord Pleanala has said: “The proposed development would … be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.” 

The current 100,000 sq ft building opened in 2016, and employs more than 230 people.