Meeting hears it’s the end of the road for Cable O’Leary’s in Ballinskelligs

CABLE O’Leary’s in Ballinskelligs is to close its doors as it is no longer financially viable to remain open due to the condition of the building and safety concerns.

The decision was taken by owner Kevin O’Sullivan of OC properties or Tower Holdings Group, formerly known as Navillus, who own the hotel, after An Bord Pleanála refused planning for a new hotel in Cable O’Leary’s in recent weeks. It has been hoped to redevelop the site into a 45-bedroom hotel. A hotel operator was in place, but due to the planning delays is no longer interested. A public meeting to show support for the hotel on Friday night included a statement from Mr O’Sullivan announcing that they had no choice but to close.

“As a result of the rejection of this proposed new development, there remains an old building with a plethora of health, safety and fire hazards conditions. The condition of the building, together with the associated safety concerns, do not justify the financial burdens of continuing its operations.” Mr O’Sullivan said that they had hoped to create jobs and help support the local community with the development. He too was critical of the planning process which has led to this decision.

The statement stressed the benefits of the hotel to the local area and was critical of the planning process that led to the hotel being refused planning.

“I share the local community’s disappointment over remote parties preserving their interests at the detriment of the immediate local community,” he said.