Threat of demolition hangs over state-of-the-art equestrian centre in Limerick

THE OWNERS of one the biggest and most modern equestrian facilities in the south-west have been directed to “cease the use of the site for commercial use permanently”.

The move comes after they were refused retention permission for the development, which included the provision of equestrian facilities within an existing equine estate.

Hollypark Stables was built on the doorstep of popular forest park Curraghchase. It has been developed over the last five years into a state-of-the-art training facility in Kilcornan hosting a number of well-attended events.

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Built on more than 17 acres, the centre is understood to have the capacity to host large-scale national level horse competitions.

However, much of the facility was constructed without planning permission from Limerick City and County Council.

Now, Limerick council planners have refused a bid by Bice Limited - whose directors are Bernadette and Emma Roche - to retain the structures.

They were seeking retention permission for the development. The council has issued the landowners with an enforcement notice directing the owners of the site to remedy any unauthorised activity within a specific timeframe.

Reacting to the planning decision, Bernadette Roche said the stables were "disappointed" by the council's decision.

"The facility provides an international-standard showjumping arena, along with proven horse development and sport horsemanship programmes developed over many years, supporting youth sport and attracting tourism to west Limerick and the wider country throughout the year. While disappointed, we recognise the role of the planning authority and will continue to work positively to meet the council’s requirements, supporting local jobs, investment and community benefit.”

One of the directions of the enforcement notice is for the landowners to cease the use of the site for commercial use permanently.

However, this Tuesday, training events at Hollypark were still advertised on the Facebook page of the stables for both January and February, with more than €5,000 worth of prizes on offer.

The development they sought retention permission for consists of sand-based training and competition arenas, covered spectator areas and judges’ cabins. They are also seeking to keep a rider welfare cabin with a toilet.

The landowners have until next Monday, January 19, to appeal against this decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

But if the national planning authority agrees with Limerick council’s ruling, they may face having to demolish the buildings.

Agents representing the developers have, in documents submitted to council, wrote that the proposal is based on the family's “love for equestrian sport”.

On top of this, the agent outlined that their clients already keep mixed-breed ponies on their property for breeding and training for the purposes of eventing, dressage and hunting.

“The proposal is/was not intended as a commercial venture in terms of maximising profitability to attract fee-paying members of the public, per se. Such an activity in the magnitude which it has occurred does not generate substantial profit,” they added.

The agents stated the proposal is "ancillary" to the home of the Roches, “where over time, and without intent, they have facilitated a number of equestrian events in the absence of a suitable facility within the south-west region and demand for a high-quality eventing arena for horses and ponies.”

They also described the use of the facility as “periodic” and “seasonal” accommodating local horse and pony league events.

Planners outlined reasons for rejecting the plans to retain the structures.

While recognising the importance of the equine industry, planners believe this project represents “an overdevelopment of the site” which goes against the local development plan.