DONEGAL’S abandoned pubs could be given a new lease of life following a change to the planning laws.
Since 2018 owners of vacant commercial properties have been able to convert their buildings for residential use without the need for planning permission.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has now extended the legislation to include former pubs.
In the past four years 17 homes have been provided in Donegal through 12 notifications of exempted developments.
Speaking after signing the new regulations, Minister O’Brien said the pandemic had taken a heavy toll on Donegal’s hospitality industry. But rather than let empty pubs fall into ruin, he hopes owners will consider the new housing option.
“Unfortunately towns and villages in Donegal have seen pubs close their doors for the last time in recent years, not least over the last two years,” Minister O’Brien said.
“This new planning regulation will ease the planning burden for those who want to convert small and medium-sized pubs that are no longer viable and have ceased to operate into residential housing for Donegal.
“The regulations will also continue to make it easier to get other forms of vacant commercial premises in Donegal, including vacant spaces over ground floor premises, back into use for residential purposes such as ‘over the shop’ living.”
An eerie looking scene. What was once a bustling bar is now a dark and lifeless shell. But that could change following the recent announcement around planning permission.
There are a number of stipulations for pub owners considering the move. Firstly the bar’s licence must have lapsed and secondly a limit of nine residential units can be created.
The new legislation will remain in place until 2025, Minister O’Brien added.
Minister of State for Planning Peter Burke said that while 17 properties have already been provided in Donegal since 2018, he believes that number could rise substantially following the law change.
To smooth the path for property owners, Donegal County Council was getting extra money to employ a vacant housing officer.
“Increased awareness of these exemptions, including through the work of Donegal County Council, will help get more vacant properties back into use,” he said.
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