Popular Cork market announces temporary closure due to planning issue

A POPULAR market in Cobh has announced its temporary closure citing a legal enforcement from Cork County Council due to a pending planning application as the reason.

The Boatyard outdoor shipping container market was established last year by Cobh native, Rob Coughlan, at the site of the Old Maritime Boatyard in the town.

The market has now announced a temporary closure, pending a Cork County Council planning decision.

“It is with great regret that we announce the temporary closure of The Boatyard, following legal enforcement due to a pending planning permission application,” The Boatyard said in a statement issued on Friday.

“This unforeseen development has had a profound impact on the individual small businesses within The Boatyard, our dedicated staff, and the loyal customers who have made The Boatyard a part of their routine.” The market said it is actively engaging with Cork County Council “to address the planning permission concerns”.

“We understand the impact of this closure on the lives of our vendors, staff, and customers, and we share in the disappointment caused by this temporary setback,” the statement continued, urging the council to expedite the resolution of its planning application.

“We will continue to keep our community updated on the progress toward reopening, hopefully in the near future.

“In the meantime, we appreciate your understanding, and we look forward to the day when we can welcome you back to The Boatyard Cobh,” the statement concluded.

A planning application seeking permission for the market was lodged with Cork County Council by Mountleader Services Ltd in October.

It seeks permission for the retention of the change of use of a derelict site from a boatyard office and ancillary works to a market/food emporium and all associated site works, “consequent” of an enforcement process.

A decision on the application is due to be made later this month.

A spokesperson for Cork County Council said it “does not comment on individual cases”.

“However, Council can categorically confirm that a significant notice period is provided as standard in any enforcement activity,” the spokesperson added.