Planning sought for two padel courts in Cork 

A planning application has been lodged with Cork County Council for the construction in Youghal of one of the largest padel complexes in the country.

Local company Eoin Whyte Services Limited is seeking permission for a change of use from light industry to indoor recreation, including six padel courts, café, reception, seating areas, and changing-and-toilet facilities on the former Youghal Carpets site at Green’s Quay.

Eoin Whyte Services Limited acquires and upgrades properties for companies seeking to develop their businesses.

Mr Whyte says a private interest has committed to letting the premises, subject to planning being granted.

Meanwhile, clearance and other preparatory work on the site are well advanced of what the company hopes will be a successful application.

Standing 8.5m high and measuring 4,000sq m, the building was constructed primarily to house weaving looms during Youghal Carpets’ golden era of textile manufacturing.

Factory closed 

When the factory closed in 1984, the building passed to its smaller successor, Couristan Carpets, before it, too, closed, in 2006.

It reverted to storage under the ownership of Blackwater Shipping and Storage, before coming on the market following that company’s cessation in 2016.

Mr Whyte estimates that the new purpose will cost €3m, adding that “it will be the largest padel centre in Munster and possibly the country”.

Enjoying rapid growth, padel is a cross between tennis and squash.

The ball is allowed to rebound off the glass and the wire mesh that surround the courts.

The proposed development is expected to create about a dozen jobs.

But, with an immediate catchment area of over 60,000 people, it will create many more through tourism and recreation.

The council’s decision is expected on August 13.

Mallow GAA Complex

Meanwhile, a planning application has also been lodged with Cork County Council for padel courts in Mallow.

Submitted by Go Padel Limited, the development, located at the Mallow GAA Complex at Carrigoon, proposes the construction of a building to accommodate five indoor padel courts.

Also included in the plans is the construction of a separate building for two toilets, the construction of a separate reception-and-store building, a car park and associated vehicular and pedestrian access arrangements, along with all associated works.

Cork County Council is due to make a decision on the planning application on September 7.