Major housing boost for Buncrana with 41 apartments approved

Planning permission has been granted to build 41 apartments in Buncrana. 

The housing development consisting of three different apartment blocks will be located at Pairc Mór, adjacent to the Sliabh Sneacht estate and approximately 230 metres from Buncrana Main Street. 

The application was submitted by developer Michael Doherty and also includes retention permission for the temporary use of the site for storing construction materials and equipment. 

This marks the second proposal for the site in the last year, following the withdrawal of an earlier plan for five blocks comprising 42 apartments.

According to project architects, Michael Friel Architects & Surveyors, the revised design addresses issues raised during the initial planning process. These included concerns about the proximity of buildings to a neighbouring property. 

However, the development did face objections from neighbouring residents, Patrick and Mary Barber. In their submission, they argued that the proposed three- and four-storey buildings would be out of character with the surrounding two-storey homes and would significantly impact their privacy. They raised concerns about overlooking, overshadowing, and the visual impact of the buildings, particularly Blocks B and C, which they say would be located close to their boundary.

“Their extensive glazing to corridors, stairways, and recessed balconies contributes greatly to this likelihood. These combined features surely must be seen as massively overbearing and intrusive to our privacy and would have a marked influence on any future development potential of our property,” the Barbers stated. 

Despite these objections, Donegal County Council granted permission for the development, subject to 28 thorough requirements.

Among the key conditions, the council stipulated that the apartments must be used solely as permanent residences and cannot be used for short-term lets or holiday accommodation without separate approval. The developer must also complete all infrastructure, including roads, lighting, drainage, open spaces, and utilities, before any units are occupied.

Additional conditions include the preparation of a parking management plan, installation of EV-ready infrastructure for each parking space, and the use of durable materials for boundary treatments. 

Strict construction management measures must also be followed to minimise disruption, including limits on working hours and requirements to control dust, mud, and traffic impacts.

READ NEXT: Green light for major upgrade of ESB’s oldest wind farm situated in Donegal

Mr Doherty will also be required to pay over €83,000 in development contributions and provide financial securities totalling more than €250,000 to ensure completion of infrastructure and protection of local roads.

Furthermore, under planning regulations, up to 20% of the development must be allocated for social or affordable housing, subject to agreement with the local authority.