Planning application for sauna close as residents voice concerns making area 'unliveable'

Carlow County Council have received a planning application for retention for the conversion of a commercial workshop to sauna with plunge pool and floating platform. The proposed works would take place in Tinnahinch, Carlow on the Graiguenamanagh Bridge. This has caused concern from residents as a number of submission have been made on the planning notice.

The planning application was received by Carlow County Council on the 17th of December 2024 and was made by Lidoc Experiences Limited.

The decision due date for the planning application has been set at the 19th of February 2025. 

Read Next: Local Carlow shop celebrates 100 years in business before closing its doors later this year

The works that are proposed in the planning notice that was submitted are as follows:

The change of use from Commercial Workshop to Sauna with plunge pool and floating platform Part of Protected Structure C125 connected to Graiguenamanagh Bridge and all existing services and all associated works at The Quay, Tinnahinch, Graiguenamanagh, County Carlow.

One submission to the planning notice reads:

"This sauna has caused significant problems with the residents of Bakers Quay since its opening. The increase in noise levels being the main problem from customers screaming to car alarms going off and beeping horns." The same submission also sites that "my partner has also witnessed on more than 1 occasion the archway entrance to the apartment carpark being used as a urinal by sauna goers because of lack of toilet facilities." and goes on to say that their home has become "unliveable"

Another submission shares similar concerns saying:

"One elderly resident was told to ‘shut up and f*** off’ when he asked patrons, who had parked in his parking spot, to move as he informed them his wife who has medical needs and an ambulance would need said spot if they had to be called. "

The decision due date set by the Carlow County Council is due for the 27th of October 2024, with updates when the decision are made on Carlow Live.