Mondello Park to get major upgrade

IRELAND’S premier motor sport venue is about to get a facelift after the Birrane family were given planning permission last week for a major refurb of Mondello Park. This will see the iconic venue getting re-clad, with the museum on the mezzanine getting extended.

A new reception is to be added, with a car display area, along with a disabled toilet block, to an addition of 515sqm.

In addition to this there will be a new two-storey hospitality building of 882sqm, excluding an outdoor terrace, with its own reception as well. This area will include two classrooms, as well as a bar and dining area, new toilets and a kitchen.

On the first floor there will be a recessed viewing area, overlooking the paddock and circuit, and there will also be a new pedestrian bridge over the circuit with a lift for disabled access. With a small nod to alternative transport, there will also be a new bike rack, and four EV charging stations included in the plan.

The application was made back in January, but was not opposed by either Environment or Roads Section at the Council, nor the Chief Fire Officer. The application did not have a single appeal to An Bord Pleanála, and even had a letter of support from cllr Veralouise Behan, whose eldest son is an enthusiastic petrolhead.

In summation, the planners declared: “The proposed development would not injure the amenities of the area, and if it’s constructed in accordance with the attached conditions, the development would accord with the sustainable development of the area”.