A SEAFOOD plant at Sheep’s Head has been granted planning permission to upgrade and expand its operations despite concerns raised by a number of local residents.

Keohane Seafoods Ltd was approved for conditional planning permission for a number of changes to its operation at Gortalassa, Bantry, with 22 objections lodged in total.

The plans, approved by Cork County Council on November 3rd, cover the retention and demolition of existing structures, including the entrance porch, rear lean-to and recreation shelter.

Existing buildings such as dispatch and storage areas, treatment and pump houses, and office spaces will be kept, along with two temporary office cabins for up to five years.    

New works include a two-storey administration block, major production extensions with cold storage and a maintenance shed, as well as a new plant platform. The development also includes a shared site entrance to cater for a neighbouring seafood operation, a new wastewater system, upgraded parking, more HGV areas and landscaping.

Among the objections lodged were concerns over the increase in lorry traffic and potential for more road accidents as a result, as well as the smell of rotting fish during the summer months.

One major issue raised by many of those who objected was the large amounts of water needed to process fish putting a strain on residents’ water supply.

Further concerns were linked to the discharge of surface and waste water into Bantry Bay, the plant’s negative impact on the natural beauty of the area, as well as an increase in light pollution.

Several objections also mentioned the environmental impact from increased processing of seafood imported from outside of Ireland, namely Norway.

Sheep’s Head resident Denis Griffin wrote in his letter of objection: ‘Given the significant adverse impact on traffic, the scenic amenity, the local water supply, tourism and quality of life, I respectfully urge you to reject this planning application.’

The council approved the plans, subject to 27 conditions, including that a change of use of the existing facility and plant shall not take place without prior written agreement of the planning authority.

Another condition is that nine electric vehicle charging points, along with two bike shelters, should be completed and ready for use before the opening of a new car park at the plant. A further condition is a groundwater monitoring programme needs written consent from the council, within three months after permission was given, meaning by early February 2026.   

Keohane Seafoods, founded in 2010 by Michael Keohane and his sons Colman and Brian, has facilities in Bantry and Cork. The company is one of Ireland’s largest seafood processors, known for its sustainability focus and a long-standing partnership with Lidl.

Colman Keohane, on behalf of the company, told The Southern Star: ‘We currently emply over 200 people in Bantry. The proposed upgrade and expansion is intended to support the long-term sustainability of those jobs and enable future employment in the West Cork area.

‘This investment is also necessary to ensure continued sustainability and efficiency within our operations. We have taken the opportunity during the planning process to address and deal with the local concerns which were raised.’