Student and residential blocks totalling 57 bedrooms permitted in Letterkenny

Donegal County Council has approved planning permission for a major student and residential accommodation project in Letterkenny.

The granted proposal involves the building of three separate building blocks, containing accommodation bedrooms for 30 students and 15 residential apartments.  

Omega Fusion Ltd, the listed applicant for the proposal, had planning granted for the demolition of an existing house and sheds on a site to the rear of the Pulse Nightclub, and close to the An Grianan Theatre. 

The construction of several accommodation blocks was permitted, including a four-storey student accommodation unit containing 30 bedrooms, living accommodation and a roof terrace amenity space, a three-storey apartment building containing six two-bedroom apartments, and another three-storey apartment block containing six two-bedroom apartments and three one-bedroom apartments.

A new access entrance with a proposed one-way traffic system was included in the submission, along with ancillary accommodation to include carparking, bicycle parking, shared bin storage compounds, and landscaped amenity areas. 

MH Associates Architects and Surveyors, on behalf of the listed applicant, commented in the design statement: “This scheme seeks to transform an underutilised, centrally located, urban site into a high-quality residential development that will contribute to Letterkenny’s growing housing needs. 

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“The town is experiencing an increasing demand for accommodation, particularly for young professionals, families, students and more recently, people displaced due to defective concrete block issues. 

“By repurposing this site, the proposal ensures that the land is used more effectively, supporting a compact urban form and aligning with national and local planning objectives for

sustainable development.

“The proposed master plan incorporates a carefully designed layout that prioritises connectivity, functionality, and quality living spaces. 

“A shared surface access route will traverse the site, linking seamlessly with the existing road network. The buildings have been deliberately set back to allow for extensive landscaping, maximising the use of natural light and creating an attractive urban open space/environment for residents.”

It was also noted that the close proximity of Atlantic Technological University, Letterkenny, would be beneficial to students residing in the student accommodation block. 

Donegal County Council granted planning permission with 25 conditions, including a condition that the applicant or relevant person entitled to the benefit of the person, pay a contribution of €172,900.74 in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area of the Planning Authority that is already provided or is intended to be provided by the Authority.

A further condition was included that before development is commenced, the developer would provide adequate security of €75,000 to the Planning Authority for the provision and completion of all services required by the development, paid in the form of a bond of a banking or insurance company acceptable to the Planning Authority, or a cash deposit, or any such secuirty the Council may approve.