Dublin Zoo Shelves Permitted African Plains Restaurant Project Over Rising Construction Costs
Saturday 14 November 2026
Dublin Zoo has deferred a permitted restaurant project indefinitely and recorded a €625,000 impairment charge, citing substantial construction cost inflation.
Dublin Zoo has deferred plans for a new restaurant despite securing planning permission, citing substantial construction cost inflation and economic conditions.
The Zoological Society of Ireland, which operates Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park in Cork, recorded a €625,000 impairment charge after shelving the proposed facility in the African Plains area of the zoo.
According to the Society's 2025 annual report, planning approval had been granted for the restaurant development, and the board had initially approved the project to proceed to tender stage.
Directors stated that the board subsequently decided to defer the scheme indefinitely following a review of trading performance, economic conditions, and very substantial construction cost inflation that occurred during the project planning period.
The impairment charge on the deferred catering development contributed to an overall operating loss of €1.45 million for the operator last year, with gate receipt income falling from €17.7 million to €16.68 million across Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park amid adverse weather and visitor pressures.