Planning permission sought for hostel in Cork city centre 

Planning permission has been sought for the development of a hostel in Cork city centre, at a site previously earmarked for an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre.

Cork City Council issued a request for further information regarding the operation of the budget tourist accommodation in recent weeks, as the planning authority deemed the application insufficient.

The 57-bed development, which would be located on the ground floor of 23-25 South Terrace, would consist of 12 bedrooms, four communal bathrooms, a cooking and dining area, a recreational area, a laundry room, several public seating spaces, and two office or quiet room spaces, to be spread across two floors.

The application was submitted by Flintvale Ltd, which originally fitted out the building to accommodate an IPAS centre for displaced individuals seeking international protection.

However, in communications submitted to the local authority in August, the developer said in line with policy changes implemented by the Department of Integration, the department had decided it would not require the building for IPAS purposes.

“The unequivocal reason given is that the department policy had changed and that the policy now focuses on reducing the volume of such units nationally,” the developer said.

Several objections 

Several objections to the development were submitted by residents in upper-floor apartments, with one man highlighting concerns for noise pollution, stairwell congestion, resident safety, and undue pressure on the building’s infrastructure.

Cork City Council said while it is “broadly supportive of the principle of the proposed development”, it is now seeking further information on the operation of the proposed hostel.

In the interest of safety and comfort, the local authority is seeking clarification on the exact nature of any interaction between existing upper-floor residents and hostel guests.

In particular, the use of the on-site lift, access from the ground floor to the entrance lobby of the adjoining apartments, and use of the entrances to the building.

The local authority further said it is unclear from the submitted documents how guests will check in and out of the premises, with details required on a proposed reception area, staff changing facilities, and dedicated staff toilets.

A comprehensive operational management plan has also been sought, which would detail how the facility will be managed, staff numbers, how issues such as noise will be dealt with, and how waste will be stored and disposed.

The applicant is additionally required to provide details on proposed signage, proposed bicycle parking, proposed storm water drainage and discharge, and a flood risk assessment.

The applicant has been given a period of six months to submit the requested information.