Padel tennis craze hits Waterford

Considered one of the world’s fastest growing sports, the demand for padel tennis facilities is ever increasing. 

Blending tennis and squash, the sport uses the same scoring conventions as lawn tennis but is played on courts around a third smaller.

Irish padel operator, Padel 100, is currently in the process of attempting to develop 150 padel courts across Ireland in 2025 and 2026.

The operator recently submitted a planning application for new padel courts within the grounds of Mount Congreve Gardens.

"The addition of padel will complement the existing walking trails, garden experiences, and outdoor activities, ensuring Mount Congreve remains a place where heritage, nature, and modern recreation meet," a spokesperson said last month.

This week, planning application was also submitted by Padel 100 for the construction of two padel tennis courts at Gold Coast Golf Resort in Dungarvan.

The plans involve the introduction two international-standard outdoor padel courts with full floodlighting.

Meanwhile, a padel court is also in the current plans for the redevelopment of the former Clover Meats site in Ferrybank.

The court is one of many amenities planned at the long derelict site, which also includes a community building, multi-use games area and dog park.