Green-lit housing plan at Ireland's first Turkish baths site is appealed

Recently-approved plans for a large-scale residential development at the former site of Ireland’s first Turkish baths have been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Developer OMD(C) Ltd sought permission in September last year to build 100 new homes on lands associated with the former St Ann’s Hydropathic Establishment at St Ann’s Hill at Kilnamucky near Tower in Blarney.

The 100 units would comprise 63 houses, 23 apartments, and 14 duplex units, as well as a creche facility.

The scheme also includes plans for an additional 56 homes comprising a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom units, along with plans to restore the former clock tower structure and parkland, which served the former St Ann’s Hydropathic Establishment.

Cork City Council approved the plans with 48 conditions. However, the future of the development will now be decided by the planning commission following several appeals.

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 association said the subject site lies within an area of “significant national built and cultural heritage”.

Blarney Castle Estate also objected to the homes, raising concerns with the scale of the plans, and argued that the development, as a result of its proximity to Blarney Castle, would make it ideally suited for tourism-related development. The planning commission is due to decide on the development by October 26, 2026.