CORK, IRELAND – January 4, 2026 – A proposed state-of-the-art whiskey storage facility slated for construction near Skibbereen, Co Cork, has been blocked by An Coimisiún Pleanála, Ireland’s planning appeals board, following mounting fire safety concerns. The decision stems from an appeal led by local resident Helen O’Dowd, who successfully argued that the proposed facility presented an unacceptable risk to the surrounding community.
The commission’s ruling hinged on a critical lack of detailed information regarding the facility’s firefighting water drainage system and storm water attenuation system – crucial components for effectively combating a fire of the scale envisioned. The proposed facility, spearheaded by West Cork Distillers, was designed to house 4,320 tonnes of whiskey, a substantial quantity.
Cork County Council’s environment section played a significant role in the rejection, citing the facility’s remote, unmanned nature. This raised serious concerns about potential delays in emergency response times, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Critics argued that the facility’s lack of constant oversight dramatically increased the risk of a catastrophic fire spreading unchecked.
West Cork Distillers defended their plans, asserting that an environment impact assessment wasn’t legally required and that all relevant environmental and fire safety regulations would be meticulously followed. They maintained that any potential spillages would be safely channeled into a retention tank via drainage channels.
However, An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision underscores the paramount importance of robust fire safety protocols, especially within the increasingly concentrated world of premium spirits. The rejection reflects a broader trend of heightened scrutiny regarding large-scale storage facilities and the need for proactive risk mitigation measures. This decision is sure to spark further debate regarding the balance between economic development and community safety within Ireland’s burgeoning whiskey industry. The future of the project remains uncertain.
