Appeal lodged against controversial North Cork aerodrome expansion

A controversial plan to build a paved runway and expand Rathcoole Aerodrome near Mallow in North Cork has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála. 

Members of the public now have until July 31 to make submissions on the appeal before the board considers the case. A decision is due by November 2.

The appeal follows Cork County Council's decision to grant permission for Rathcoole Flying Club's plans for a 740m hard-surfaced runway, a new taxiway, replacement hangar, new operations and paramedic base, relocated helipad for the HSE Air Ambulance, and associated works at Knockcahill, Rathcoole, near Mallow.

The proposal attracted a number of submissions during the council's planning process.

The plans also received backing from Cork North West TD and Minister of State Michael Moynihan, who wrote to Cork County Council expressing his full support for the proposal and asking to be kept informed of its progress.

Local residents maintained their objections after the applicant submitted further information. 

They said it failed to address concerns over increased aircraft noise, night-time operations, flooding, impacts on the nearby Blackwater River Special Area of Conservation, livestock, climate change and what they described as the potential for the project to become a “Trojan horse” for a much larger aviation development. 

They urged planners to fully consider their earlier objections before making a decision.

Andrea and Christopher Flaherty also lodged a submission supporting the proposal, saying the air ambulance had provided vital assistance to them and describing the service as being of “significant importance” to the local community.

The application underwent extensive scrutiny after Cork County Council sought significant further information from the applicant, requesting additional assessment of projected flight numbers, aircraft noise, climate impacts, environmental effects and possible alternatives before reaching its decision.

Cork County Council granted permission with conditions on June 3, prompting the appeal now before An Coimisiún Pleanála.