Popular Donegal Town bar to be transformed into 29-bedroom hotel pending approval

A popular bar in Donegal Town is set to be transformed pending planning approval for a major expansion. 

Donegal County Council this week (August 7) received a planning application from KBS Property Management Ltd for the demolition of the existing rear extension at O'Donnell's Bar and Lounge at The Diamond, and the construction of a new three-storey extension to the rear of the premises. 

If granted, the changes will provide a total of 29 en-suite bedrooms at the property. 

The application requests the change of use and extension of the existing ground floor storage area to provide three en-suite bedrooms, as well as the construction of a new extension incorporating the ground floor lounge, kitchen, toilets, stairwells and ancillary storage areas, 13 en-suite bedrooms on the first floor, and 13 en-suite bedrooms on the second floor. 

A pitched roof over the existing three-storey premises facing The Diamond will also be removed following the receipt of planning permission, and a new raised wall plate and pitched roof will be constructed. 

A decision on the application is expected on October 1 2024.