A POPULAR Drumoghill bar is to be turned into short stay apartments after being given the green light by Donegal County Council.

Applicant Irene Morning lodged plans with the council in May of last year for permission to renovate and change the use of Biddy Friel’s from a bar and lounge facility into five two-bedroom apartments and seven one-bedroom apartments with two small extensions to facilitate a first floor entrance.

The proposed plans also included the demolition of a small extension to the rear of the building along with the construction of a separate building comprising 12 storage areas for wheelie bins and for the connection of the main building into proposed treatment system and percolation area and all ancillary works as per a previously granted permission. Planners had sought further information from the applicant, all of which was provided in July of last year.

The proposed application was granted in recent days, subject to 15 conditions. These include that when the apartments are completed they will be used for the purposes of short-term lettings only for periods of less than 90 days.

The portions of the existing building which do not comprise apartment accommodation shall continue to be used as a licensed restaurant and shall incorporate concierge services for the apartments. The applicant must also pay a contribution of €363.60  in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area of the Planning Authority that is already provided or is intended will be provided by the Authority. The total contribution is to be paid to the Planning Authority prior to the commencement of the development unless the Planning Authority have it agreed in writing beforehand to facilitate phased payment of the contribution.