THE newest addition to the Limerick equestrian scene made a ripple this week when it emerged that retention planning permission has been sought for parts of its state-of-the-art facility.

Having opened with great fanfare in February of this year, Hollypark Stables has quickly become a regular popular feature on the events calendar, most recently hosing the prestigious National Young Rider Championships.

Located at Kilcornan, Co Limerick, Hollypark is run by Bernie and Joe Roche who have enjoyed great feedback from everyone who has show jumped at, or visited, the new venue since the gates opened. It has also hosted dressage with great success.

Apart from hosting competitions, the equestrian centre is used by breeders and trainers to showcase their animals to the local and international market, with proximity to Shannon Airport a huge advantage. The facility has also been used to host fundraisers for local schools and charities.

This week, however, details emerged about a Limerick City and County Council request for further information in relation to a recent planning application made for the centre.

Planning documents show that the centre initially applied for retention permission in July 2021 for the construction of four equine farm buildings consisting of stables, manure and hay storage, a sand arena and associated site works.Conditional retention permission was granted for these buildings by the council in December 2021.

On June 2nd of this year, a further application was made for the retention of sand arenas, an internal access road and fencing, car and horse box parking areas, a covered spectator area, portacabin coffee dock/internal seating area, judges’ cabins, portaloo toilet cubicles and underground holding tank as well as associated site development works.

Further information

An extensive list of further information has now been sought by the council including details about the justification and use of the site, the number of visitors, lighting, scope of competitions held there, impact on the road network and surrounding ecology as well as waste management. Proposals around visual and noise impacts have also been sought by the council.

The developer was also asked to provide a statement outlining the conservation philosophy applied and a historical study of the lands. A submission to the council from a neighbouring resident included allegations about “constant noise from the commentary and the timer.”

“The lights from this development are not only on the property, but on the surrounding residential properties which is causing light pollution in the rural countryside,” the neighbour alleged.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland also made a submission stating that not enough data has been given to demonstrate the development would not have a negative impact on the road network.

A representative from Hollypark Stables told The Irish Field that they were working closely with the council on the matter.

Support

Limerick County Councillor Stephen Keary said he supported the retention application and applauded the Roches for the work they have done in developing the facility.

“It is a fantastic amenity in a totally underdeveloped area and has huge economic and tourism potential,” he said.

“People are entitled to make an appeal as part of the planning process but in my opinion the vast majority of locals would support them and I hope it is successful.”

Councillor Kevin Sheahan also spoke highly of the facility. “I compliment them on what they have produced. I am a person who would diligently pursue any tourism attraction in my area, and I have every confidence that they will work this out with the planning department,” he said. “Limerick is well known for its equine industry and it’s marvellous to see a centre of this calibre promoting that.”