Frustrations over planning along the N56 came under the spotlight at this week’s Glenties Municipal District meeting.
Cllr Brian Carr highlighted the frustration of a local resident who was refused planning permission for a home along the national road.
The application was refused due to a national policy that restricts new accesses and the intensification of existing accesses on national roads where the speed limit exceeds 50 km per hour.
In recent days, however, it emerged that Coillte has obtained planning permission from Donegal County Council to construct a site access entrance for the felling of mature trees in a forest.
The site is located parallel to the N56 between Dungloe and Glenties, close to where the local resident had been refused planning permission, adding to their frustration.
In response to Cllr Carr, Lorna Ramsey, Area Planner from the council’s Planning Services, explained the rationale behind the decision, describing it as being of “greater interest.”
She said the project is viewed differently due to its impact on the local economy and infrastructure.
Frustration at planning restrictions
Cllr Michael McClafferty emphasised that the planning policy, set at national level, is having far-reaching effects on rural communities.
He said it is hampering the planning process and preventing homes from being built, which in turn makes it difficult for young people to return home from abroad as they cannot obtain planning permission.
The meeting also addressed new legislation being introduced to expand planning exemptions for modular homes.
Cllr Denis McGee sought clarification on whether the exemptions would apply to the N56 as the new developments could still technically intensify existing accesses to the national road.
Ms Ramsey explained that the full details of the policy are not yet known and said she would investigate how the new legislation might affect planning rules on national roads.