JEHOVAH’S Witnesses have submitted plans to demolish a place of worship near Bantry and build a new one to create space for a growing congregation.

Council planners are in the final stage of deciding on plans for a new Kingdom Hall at Raheen Beg, just outside Bantry.

Applicants Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of Ireland, based in Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, also want to extend the site for added parking spaces, with two spots for EV charging points.

The planning documents also outline measures to deal with surface water drainage issues.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have used the Kingdom Hall as a place of worship since 1998 and they are hoping the new hall will accommodate a growing number of worshippers.

‘The congregation that uses the facility has experienced established growth in recent years to the extent that the proposed place of worship will no longer be large enough for their needs, especially factoring in future growth,’ said the planning, design and access statement submitted to Cork County Council. 

The plans include the purchase of a small parcel of land to extend the site.

Rear and side boundaries would have timber fencing appropriate to the rural setting, the applicants say.

Hedging will be maintained, supplemented and planted on the south and west boundaries to provide privacy to nearby properties.

Apart from the demolition of the existing building and more parking spaces, the plans include building signage and external lighting for health and safety purposes.

‘The project has the potential to bring more visitors into the area, therefore potentially increasing footfall, benefiting the local retail, and hospitality businesses,’ the application said.

No public observations or objections were submitted by the 25th May due date. A decision from Cork County Council is expected by June 15th.