Plans to change former telecoms exchange depot in Louth to hostel

Plans are underway to convert a former telecoms exchange depot in Louth to a 29-bedroom hostel, accommodating a total of 100 bed spaces.

Hostel Accommodation Management Limited has applied to Louth County Council for planning permission for the change of use of Eir House, Donore Road, Drogheda, a former telecoms exchange depot accommodating engineering/administrative uses, to use as a hostel where care is not provided.

The planned change-of-use comprises one building and a section of an adjacent building with a total combined floor area of c807sqm.

The proposed hostel would comprise 29 bedrooms, accommodating 100no bed spaces in total, including a staff bedroom and an accessible bedroom on the ground floor, together with an entrance lobby and reception / office; two kitchens with associated storage; a communal canteen; a communal recreation area with attached kitchenette, and toilet and shower facilities.

No changes to the internal layout of the building are proposed, nor are any changes to the building exterior.

Vehicular access to the site is via the existing access off the Donore Road (L1521), and according to the planning application, existing on-site car parking will be maintained, with no additional parking proposed.

It is also proposed to re-mark the existing car parking within the application site and also provide dedicated accessible parking.

It is further proposed to provide a bicycle rack to the front (north) of Block B and introduce new internal road markings to delineate a set-down area and stopping points.

The proposed development will also include the provision of a pedestrian crossing on the Donore Road.

The planning application also provides for items including all associated site development works, signage, public lighting, landscaping, and boundary treatments.

A decision is due on the application, which is at a pre-validation stage, by 5 January 2027, with submissions due by 6 December 2026.