Planning sought to convert iconic Ballyshannon bakery into padel court facility

Donegal County Council has received a planning permission application to convert the former O’Donnell’s Bakery Site at The Mall, Ballyshannon, into a padel ball court sports facility.

The listed applicant, Argento Contemporary Jewellery Ltd, has applied for the change of use of the upper ground floor from a former bakery to use as padel ball courts with a reception and toilet facilities.

Permission is also sought to convert the lower ground floor and basement area to use as a manager's and staff accommodation. 

The construction of a rear extension is proposed to create an additional padel court area, along with the demolition of the current front and rear extensions. 

All associated elevational changes and site works, including the formation of a car parking area, are included in the application. 

Padel has become one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, and is a racket sport with elements of tennis and squash, played in an enclosed court with glass walls. The sport is also viewed as beginner-friendly. 

The former O’Donnell’s Bakery was once viewed as a favourite brand in households across the south Donegal area, and a notable employer in Ballyshannon. 

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Before the sites use by O’Donnell’s Bakery, the premises had started life as the Swan Hosiery factory, and was a purpose-built factory constructed sometime during the 1920s and 1930s. 

October House Designs, on behalf of Argento Contemporary Jewellery, stated: Argento Contemporary Jewellery Ltd. has a subsidiary company incorporated as ‘Lets Go Padel’ in Northern Ireland, which is the biggest name in the Padel Sport in Northern Ireland presently having launched a single court in 2024 and grown to reach 8000 members in 2025, with up to six new sites launching nationally in 2026. 

“With a view to setting up the new sites, the group are currently in the process of officially incorporating the ‘Lets Go Padel’ brand in the Republic of Ireland and the Mall Quay site in Ballyshannon is seen as integral to their plans.”

The statement continued: “Historically, Ballyshannon was seen as a thriving commercial centre geographically, and the company who have ties to the area see the location as ideal for the establishment of playing courts at the Mall Quay, revitalising a key site in the town and ensuring the continued integrity of the ‘Former Bakery’ site.”

Within the proposal, J. Martin McLaughlin concluded: The proposal for the redevelopment of the ‘Former Bakery’ site for use as padel courts is an exciting proposal that my client believes would go a long way to reinvigorating the Mall Quay area and would restore one of Ballyshannon’s long-term derelict sites, turning what is currently an eyesore into an asset for the town.

“The very nature of the business is something that Ballyshannon needs right now, which is something that is niche and not available in adjacent towns. 

“The company promoting the project has the experience of delivering this type of facility and has a proven track record in the field, turning older buildings throughout Northern Ireland into top-class sports halls. 

“It is hoped that their expansion south of the border will see Ballyshannon added to the portfolio. 

“The wider company has a personal connection to Ballyshannon, and it is hoped the proposal would be encouraged by the Planning Authority as the site in question does pose specific challenges for development, which the applicant is aware of and has planned for in the overall approach to the project. 

“This is a rare opportunity to revitalise one of the town's major sites. We believe a comprehensive planning submission has been submitted on foot of substantive consultation with the Local Authority, and are hopeful that a timely decision can be reached to allow our client to progress with this exciting proposal.”