Planning permission sought for new Padel tennis courts at prominent Clare hotel

Plans have been unveiled for development works including portable Padel tennis courts at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cratloemoyle, Clare. 

Details of the proposed development were revealed as part of a new planning application submitted to Clare County Council by Padel Sports 100 Limited, on December 10. 

The plans include the proposed installation of four portable Padel tennis courts which will be complete with artificial grass surfaces. 

The application, which currently has a pre-validation status, also seeks permission for four-metre high fencing around sections of the Padel courts' perimeter and six-metre high integrated LED lighting along with all other ancillary site works.

The plans reveal that each court will be constructed using a self-supported fibreglass frame system with tempered safety glass walls and a zero-sand synthetic turf surface. 

The system is designed as a fully portable, non-intrusive installation assembled on a modular base platform placed directly over the existing levelled ground. 

This means that the structure can be fully dismantled and relocated at any time within 48 to 72 hours leaving no trace or alteration to the underlying surface. 

Unlike traditional sports facilities, the courts do not feature fixed floodlighting. They will instead use low-impact, plug-and-play LED light fittings which are mounted directly to the frame structure. 

Based on the aforementioned details, Gerald McCarthy Architects have submitted documents to the local authority stating: "We request that the planning authority view this as a lightweight, portable recreational installation distinct from a permanent building or engineering works." 

As part of the application process,  a document has also been submitted by the land owner granting their consent for the development.

The planning application confirms that no Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) license or waste license is required for the project as the location isn't deemed as a protected structure. 

The planning authority will consider if the site notice complies with all regulations and that the information submitted in the application is deemed correct before coming to a decision. 

The application states that any submissions or observations on the proposed development must be submitted to Clare County Council by January 22, 2026. A decision is expected by February 12.