Council predicts two years to rebuild units after fire at West Cork enterprise centre

Units that were damaged by a fire at the Bantry Enterprise Centre in September will take two years to rebuild, councillors at the recent meeting of Cork County Council’s West Cork Municipal District were told.

Independent Ireland councillor Danny Collins tabled a motion that stated: “Following on from the fire of two enterprise units in Bantry Enterprise Centre, I am calling on this council to provide details of the plan to rebuild these units and the time frame of when they will be available for use again.”

Mr Collins said a laundry business in one of the units that was used by local hotels and B&Bs had been forced to cease operating, and there were concerns about if and when it would be able to resume.

Eileen Coleman, the council’s director of services for economic development, said: “For many years, Bantry Enterprise Centre has served as a vital hub for both new and established businesses, fostering growth and sustainable local enterprise.

“The council recognises its key role in supporting the vibrant local business community and is committed to progressing the replacement of the damaged units as soon as possible.”

She said three units were damaged in the fire on Friday, September 19, and insurers on behalf of the council and the three tenants had subsequently appointed loss adjusters to investigate the circumstances of the fire, assess the extent of the damage, verify the legitimacy of all claims, and to ensure any settlement aligns with the policy’s terms. She said the insurers/loss adjusters’ decision was currently awaited.

Ms Coleman added: “In the meantime, with the agreement of our loss adjuster, the council has procured a consultant to prepare a programme of works for the demolition of all three units. Once the proposed programme of works is approved by the loss adjuster, our consultant will procure a contractor to undertake the demolition and site clearance work.

“It is anticipated that this work may be undertaken in January 2026. At that time, the council will then consider how the units are to be replaced. 

"It is anticipated that following the design, obtaining all of the statutory approvals, procuring a contractor, and the construction period, the new units may be available for occupation in late 2027.”

Mr Collins said: “That’s nearly two years. Is there any way we can expedite this? I can tell people in Bantry but I don’t think they will be happy to hear that. I’ve had hotels and B&Bs contacting me.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.