Local residents have appealed a decision to grant planning permission to UCC students' union for a new sports centre for the university. The £9 million centre, which includes a swimming pool and gymnasium, is set to be located at UCC's sports grounds at the Mardyke. The construction of the centre is being jointly funded by the college and a £30 levy paid by students.

UCC has very limited sports facilities at present, according to students' union president Sheila Griffin. The original decision to grant planning permission was welcomed by students, she says.

Planning permission was granted in December but was appealed to An Bord Pleanala earlier this month by local residents. According to Griffin, a decision on the appeal is now not expected until April or May at the earliest.