Tipperary County Council approves site remediation works at Ballypadeen
Demolition of 52 unfinished Ballypadeen units approved by Tipperary County Council
The decision to proceed with the demolition of 52 derelict, partially constructed units, removal of temporary structures, and associated site works follows a detailed planning assessment and public consultation process.
Work on the site has been stalled since 2007 due to a series of legal disputes over planning permission.
The units in question were originally granted permission only as tourism accommodation linked to a hotel development that was never built, with no valid residential permission in place.
In addition, the site is located on unzoned and unserviced land outside the Cashel settlement boundary, conflicting with national, regional, and local planning policy. Independent technical assessments identified significant defects, making any reuse financially unviable.
Chief Executive Sinead Carr stated, “This has been a complex and sensitive case, and we fully recognise the strength of public feeling, particularly in the context of the current housing crisis. However, the Council must make decisions based on planning law, policy, and the long-term sustainable development of the area.”
The approved works will also serve to protect the visual setting of the nationally and internationally important Rock of Cashel and address long-term dereliction in the area. While acknowledging the ongoing demand for housing, the Council said new homes must be delivered on land that is appropriately zoned and fully serviced.
Councillors in the Tipperary Cahir Cashel Municipal District attended a pre-meeting workshop with Planning Office officials this afternoon, where the Council’s proposal for the Ballypadeen site north of Cashel was outlined ahead of a special meeting at 4.30pm.
At that meeting, councillors considered the Chief Executive’s report on the Part 8 Planning Consultation process.
Tipperary County Council sought approval to proceed with the demolition of 52 partially built houses at the site, along with the removal of four shipping containers and the erection of a fence at the entrance. The site will remain in the ownership of developer.
The proposal does not include removing the existing piles of slig or the concrete pads on which the houses were built. The Council says it is required to undertake a Part 8 consultation for development works costing more than €126,000.
At the special meeting Cllr Declan Burgess expressed reservations about the decision not to remove the mound of slig, stating: “I have concerns about the stockpile of slig. The R639 is an important road, and I see busloads of tourists passing daily… the slig material is not being addressed, and I do have reservations in this regard.”
He also highlighted the visual impact of the slig material and said in his consultation with members of the public that they would like to see the material removed.
The Chief Executive, Sinead Carr, responded, stating: “As with any settlement, it is a compromise. The key objective here was the derelict units that needed to be removed. We are satisfied that the slig heap is stable.”
Councillors at the meeting were advised, according to the report, that bringing the houses up to modern standards would cost more than €24 million, with significant demolition still required regardless.
The Chief Executive’s report notes 48 public submissions but concludes there is no planning basis to amend the proposal. While acknowledging concerns about cost to the taxpayer, it states financial considerations are outside the planning process.
A confidential settlement has been reached with the landowner, with costs for demolition and related works expected to be covered by the Council’s insurer, though figures have not been released.