Plans for the construction of a Motorway Service Area at Junction 14 near Moorepark along the M8 outside Fermoy are progressing, with the process at the tender stage seeking a contractor for the works.
A spokesperson for the company behind the development, JR Oronco, said the development is ‘moving full steam ahead’ though there is no time-frame as of yet when it will be completed.
Cork County Council granted planning permission for the development in January 2015, subject to a list of conditions being met.
A number of appeals were issued to An Bord Pleanála by individuals and groups opposed to the development, though they appeals were announced as unsuccessful by An Bord Pleanála in July 2015.
They considered that the proposed development ‘would provide a needed facility for motorway users, would not have an unduly negative impact on the vitality of nearby retail centres, would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience, would not be injurious to rural amenities, would not pose a risk to public health and would, otherwise, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area’.
Among the conditions set out by An Bord Pleanála, in granting permission for the development, was to omit the proposed drive-through facility from the development.
The Motorway Service Area will incorporate a shop/ restaurant building and includes forecourt and canopy, fuel facilities and external seating/amenity areas.
A similar project ongoing on the southside of Fermoy will see the development of a Spar Convenience Store and Service Station at Cork Road. Construction, overseen by forecourt retailing company H2 Group, began in June and it is expected the business, which will employ up to 25 people, will be open in October.
Located at the site of the former John McCarthy Motors, the development will encompass a 100sqm retail area, off-licence area, café, deli and seating area, as well as fuel pumps and associated facilities. H2 Group currently operate at eight locations around the country, including in Dublin, Kerry, Tipperary, Kildare and Offaly.
