The construction of a 220-bed, four star hotel along O’Sullivan’s Quay has been welcomed by local councillor Mick Finn who said it will inject new life into the South Parish and the city.

The construction, which will be Cork’s largest hotel, includes 7,800 square metres of office space. The building was granted conditional approval by Cork City Council subject to 32 conditions.

The building will have a ground-floor bar, restaurant and retail area, with first-floor conference and meeting facilities, and a gym on the ninth floor.

A separate six-storey office building, with gross floor area of over 9,300sq m is being built at the other side of a central courtyard. Located to the east of the site, along its frontage with Drinan Street, it would be more than three-quarters the area of the 12,000sq m of hotel facilities.

The development would be built over two basement floors, accommodating car and bicycle parking, to be accessed from Cove Street to the rear.

Independent Councillor Mick Finn said it was very positive to see the hotel being built on that site.

“That building has been derelict for awhile. The building is out of date and out of kilter with the area so I am delighted to see it be given a new lease of life.” Speaking about the issue of anti-social behaviour which used to plague the area, Mr Finn said this was now an issue of the past.

“The positives far outweigh the negatives. The only negative is it may remove some parking from the area which is a deficit, but a minor one in light of the advantages it will bring.” 

Mr Finn also said the planned construction would bring style and substance to the area. 

“It will remove a building from Cork’s landscape that is not very flattering or eye-catching. The plans are for a high-rise bar which will bring a nice feature to the quay.” 

The Independent councillor also said the location meant it would coincide with the development of the Event Centre.

“It was never the nicest of buildings and it will be great to see a new hotel rising out of the rubble. With the new event centre only metres away, it will be a new injection of life into the South Parish and the city and will help bridge the deficit of hotel rooms in the city. Hopefully local residents might be facilitated regards parking.”