€100m hotel and office development gets go ahead

An Bord Pleanála has granted full planning permission to Hibernia Star for the development of a new 165 bedroom hotel and more than 10,600m2 of office space on the Douglas Estuary at Jacob’s Island, overlooking Cork Harbour. McCarthy Developments will undertake the €100 million project.

Managing Director Dr Tom McCarthy welcomed the decision, saying: “We are delighted to move forward with the next phase of the Jacobs Island Master Plan, championed by McCarthy Developments over the last 20 years.

"This new phase of development has significant impact for Cork’s economic development, providing a new hotel for business and leisure visitors as well as substantial office accommodation required to fuel further investment and create significant employment in the Cork region.”

McCarthy Developments has previously delivered over 400 homes on the 50 acre waterfront site, featuring harbour views and access to Cork's greenway.

With planning already granted for an additional 440 housing units, the Jacobs Island Master Plan includes strategic housing development to increase residential availability in Cork.

The plan also outlines the development of parks, recreational areas, 'play and stay' activities, communal courtyards, green streets, pedestrian-friendly zones, cycle paths, and landscaping.

In line with zoning and planning guidelines, the mixed-use development aims to establish a balanced urban area with a mix of residential, employment, childcare, and other amenities. Work on the development is expected to begin in 2024, contributing to economic and residential growth in the Cork region.