Green light for new funfair, waterpark at Astoria site in Bundoran

Development of a new funfair and waterpark on the site of the former Astoria Ballroom in Bundoran has been granted planning permission, with revised conditions

The green light for the major development of the iconic site was granted by An Bord Pleanála to developer, TJ Wilmot & Sons Limited.

A decision by Donegal County Council in August 2022 to grant planning permission was appealed.

Objections were lodged by Eileen McGrinder of Atlantic Way Management Company Limited, Atlantic Way Apartments (Block A), Bundoran, County Donegal, and by Michelle Wilmot care of Marston Planning Consultancy, 23 Grange Park, Foxrock, Dublin against the proposed development.

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However, following an adjudication of the particulars of the application and appeals, the planning authority has ruled that the development can proceed, subject to seven conditions.

The development will see the construction of a funfair / waterpark to include various amusement rides and slides; construction of boundary and retaining walls and alterations to the existing ground levels,boundary walls and fence with a pedestrian access onto Astoria Road and all associated, drainage, lighting & services and all associated site development works.

The Astoria Ballroom site fronts onto Astroria Road and Atlantic Way.

Among the points raised in the objections were the possible impact on residential amenities; the possible impact on existing car parking; deficiencies in the public notice and planning application; a material contravention of the County Development Plan; and health and safety concerns.

In its decision, An Bord Pleanála said: “Having regard to the location of the site within Bundoran on lands zoned for town centre purposes, the policies and objectives of the Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024 and the pattern of development in the area, it is considered that, subject to compliance with the conditions set out below, the proposed development would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities of the area, would no prejudicial to public health, would be acceptable in terms of pedestrian and traffic safety and would constitute an acceptable use at this location.

“The proposed development would therefore be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

Under the revises conditions, the opening hours of the premises will be confined to 1-9pm while the developer must enter water and waste-water connection agreements with Uisce Eireann.

The use of the development will be restricted to adventure park/funfair park.

The former ballroom site was one of the biggest attractions in the seaside resort for generations after being originally constructed in 1953.

It was later demolished, with the by then, vacant building, going on fire in 2008.