DONEGAL County Council is to consult further with residents over concerns they have about a new social housing development in Dungloe.
The local authority has been granted permission to push ahead with the building of 45 homes on the Chapel Road.
Two derelict cottages and outbuildings will be demolished to make way for the new estate. It will consist of four one-bed apartments, 20 two-bed apartments, seven two-bed houses, ten three-bed houses and four four-bed properties.
While broadly welcomed due to the housing shortage in west Donegal, the development has not been without its critics.
A key concern has been around increased traffic which residents say could pose a risk to school children.
Householders also fear that natural light reaching already established properties could be hampered.
One set of occupants has vowed to seek compensation for the devaluation of their property should the development get approval while in a separate submission a householder has aired fears for the health and wellbeing of mature trees.
Planning permission, with 14 conditions attached, had already been recommended and at the latest plenary meeting of councillors the scheme passed the final stage before construction.
The multiple conditions took into consideration many of the concerns raised by residents, including road safety fears, flooding and the area’s archaeological heritage.
Councillor Marie Therese Gallagher.
Glenties Municipal District Councillor Marie Therese Gallagher said that given the lack of available housing in Dungloe, she was glad to see the project moving forward.
“I’m delighted that we are moving this on. The need for housing in Dungloe and in the wider Rosses region has hit critical and crisis, same as it has done throughout the county.
“I just want to acknowledge the submissions that came in with this, particularly from the two neighbouring properties. I think there are a number of issues there that we could go back and have a meeting to reassure them of some of the issues.
“I think with the elevations on the site, I didn’t realise they were so low compared to the other properties and I think if that was explained it might alleviate some of the issues there.”
Councillor Gallagher also asked that discussions be held with Irish Water to try and off-set concerns around odour and noise, a request echoed by Councillor Noreen McGarvey.
“I would just like to support what has been said particularly about the treatment plant, it has been an issue since I’ve come into council,” Councillor McGarvey said.
“Also on the road safety issue, it is imperative that we do something with that because it is on a road where we have two schools and the local church.”
Assistant Senior Planner Patsy Lafferty said that all the concerns would be taken on board and discussed further with those living in the vicinity.
“The housing department will be embarking on further consultation as more detail design is finalised,” Mr Lafferty said.
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