Blarney housing approved at historic site of Ireland's first Turkish baths 

Planning permission has been granted for a large scale residential development in Blarney at the former site of Ireland’s first Turkish baths, despite local concerns about traffic management and the erosion of local built heritage.

The application, lodged by OMD(C) Ltd, was submitted to Cork City Council in October, seeking permission to construct a 100-residential unit development at the former St Ann’s Hydropathic Establishment.

The development will see the partial demolition, conservation and refurbishment of the remains of the former Turkish Baths, a protected structure, to construct 63 new houses, 23 new apartment units, 14 new apartment/duplex units, and a creche.

The development makes provision for the construction of a two-storey apartment building, consisting of 16 apartments; refurbishment of the former stable buildings to facilitate six terrace units; partial demolition and refurbishment of the former coach house to facilitate a three-bedroom detached house; a two-storey apartment building, accommodating five units; and the construction of a two-three storey apartment/duplex building, accommodating 14 units.

A further 56 detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are also included in the plans.

Several objections were submitted in relation to the planning application, with the Tower Community Association citing concerns for a lack of walking infrastructure, traffic congestion, and an erosion of local heritage.

A spokesperson for the Tower Community Association said the subject site lies within an area of “significant national built and cultural heritage”.

“The proposed development threatens to erode the already limited historic fabric, including architectural features, landscape, sightlines, and setting, all of which collectively contribute to the sense of place and identity built up over generations of inhabitants,” 

they said.

The former Turkish baths, founded by Dr Richard Barter in 1843, operated as a purpose-built facility for the provision of hydro-therapy medical care for more than 100 years, closing its doors in 1952.

One of the 48 conditions attached to the approval stipulates that in the interest of protecting the historic buildings’ fabric and enhancing its character, aspects of the development will be “carried out under the supervision of a qualified professional with specialised conservation expertise”.