Appeal lodged against Simon apartments in Dundalk

The decision by Louth County Council to grant planning permission to Dublin Simon Community for an apartment development at the site of the former Labour Exchange Site at Barrack Street in Dundalk, has been appealed to An Bord Coimisiún (formerly An Bord Pleanála).

The organisation, which provides services to people across Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, applied to Louth County Council for planning permission in August 2025, seeking the go ahead for the demolition of the existing derelict properties 63, 65 and 67 Barrack Street to facilitate the construction of 21 one-bedroom residential units, within a single three storey block.

The planning application also provided for items including a single storey utility and plantroom building, comprising ESB substation, switch room, water services and bin store, located to the northeast of the site, and a low profile, combined bulk storage and secured bicycle store. It also includes boundary treatment proposals, landscaping, roads, drainage and lighting treatments across the site.

A significant number of submissions objecting to the planning application had been lodged with Louth County Council, including from residents and local businesses in the area. Among the reasons for objecting to the application were antisocial behaviour, health and safety risks, and a negative impact on the quality of life and privacy for local residents.

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A public meeting had been held last year, where householders and business owners in the area spoke of how they had been dealing with anti-social behaviour, including open drug dealing and drug taking on a daily basis.

It is understood that residents in the area had become frustrated over the lack of consultation between themselves and Louth County Council, as well as Dublin Simon Community.

Louth County Council granted planning permission on 20 March 2026, subject to nine planning conditions. 

A third party appeal was lodged with An Bord Coimisiún on 26 March. Brendan & Patricia McCoy, and Francis Hammond are listed as third party appellants. It is not yet known when the appeal will be decided upon.