Plans for new Padel Tennis club in Cork refused after appeal

The developers behind plans to construct a padel tennis facility in Cork have been refused permission by the planning commission following an appeal.

Cork City Council turned down plans for a new large-scale Padel facility in Bishopstown, stating that the zoning of the proposed site “does not provide for sports facilities”.

It said the land was preserved for light industry activities, with one of the council’s development plan objectives to maintain an adequate supply of light industrial space to ensure a diverse range of employment in the area.

Padel Tennis Ireland Ltd applied for permission to the city council in July 2025 for the development on the Bandon Road N71, just off the roundabout near the entrance to Dunnes Stores at Bishopscourt.

It would have included a large indoor recreation facility of around 2,750 sqm gross floor space to accommodate eight padel tennis courts, a reception and seating area, toilets and changing rooms and a merchandise display and sales area.

Planning documents on behalf of Padel Tennis Ireland said the sport is experiencing “significant growth and demand”.

“There are currently over 50 Padel tennis courts in Ireland, and the surge in popularity of the sport in the country is driving a demand for more such facilities," it said.

However, following the city council decision, An Coimisiún Pleanála also refused the plans, siding with its own inspector's report. 

In its decision, it said the proposed development of a commercial leisure facility would contravene the zoning objectives for the area.

The commission added that the proposal would “prejudice the future provision of light industry and related uses within this area of Cork City, on a site which is currently undeveloped.”