Planning sought for Letterkenny pub and flats in place of former ‘garden centre’

Donegal County Council has received planning permission for a new pub in the centre of  Letterkenny, along with new apartments, in place of a proposed demolished business that traded for over 50 years.

Bids32 Ltd has submitted the application for the demolition of the existing Joe’s Garden Centre building, and the erection of a new public house and nine apartments.

As part of the proposed public house, are male, female, and accessible toilets, a beer/bottle storage area, construction of a basement area to incorporate a beverage store, and the insertion of an ATM to the front of the proposed public house.

At the ground floor level are two proposed one-bed apartments, with one two-bed and two one-bed apartments planned for the first floor, along with office space, and four planned one-bed apartments on the second floor. 

The existing site caters for a two-storey townhouse building, where developers said it was “known locally as Joe’s Garden Centre, where it was operational for over fifty years until its closure, three years ago.”

Located next to the Central Library and near the Yellow Pepper Restaurant and McCaffertys, the building is in a prime location in Letterkenny.

It was also written in documents supporting the application: “The proposal contributes to a vibrant and inclusive town centre by delivering a mix of residential options, work environment facilities that cater to different needs, including general apartments and employment areas in close proximity to living accommodation. 

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“In providing new and further accommodation in the heart of Letterkenny, the development supports local businesses, services, and cultural initiatives, fostering a lively and multi-dimensional urban environment. 

“All existing accesses and pedestrian areas, and even the transport options, are within the Letterkenny Cultural Quarter enhances connectivity and encourages greater engagement with the town’s cultural and social spaces. 

“The development promotes and enhances further accessibility and a high quality of life for residents, making the town centre a more inviting and dynamic place to live, work, and visit.”

Donegal County Council has set a decision due date for the submitted planning application for May 26.