PLANS for proposed student accommodation in Letterkenny given the green light by Donegal County Council have been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála on privacy and fire safety grounds.
Applicant Omega Fusion Limited lodged plans with Donegal County Council in May of last year, seeking planning permission for the demolition of existing house and sheds and the construction of student accommodation on Ramelton Road.
The plans comprise the construction of a four storey student accommodation unit containing 30 bedrooms, living accommodation and a roof terrace amenity space.
Proposed plans also comprise a three storey apartment block containing six two bedroom apartments, a three storey apartment block containing six two bedroom apartments, and three one bed apartments.
The proposed development also includes new access entrance to the north west boundary of the site with a proposed one-way traffic system, car parking and bin storage.
A number of submissions were lodged regarding the proposed development, including one made on behalf of the Port Road Developments Management Company.
In her submission, Catherine Casey, director, highlighted how the development proposes only 13 car parking spaces.
“The majority of students in Letterkenny typically own their own car and it is naive to think that this development will not create a parking problem which will overwhelm the parking available for existing businesses on the Lower Main RoadPort Road.”
Ms Casey also voiced her concern for urban design, stating the proposed development, in terms of the exterior design of the three separate blocks “does not seem to reflect the contextual nature of its sitting at an important pivotal part of Letterkenny town”.
Donegal County Council granted permission on February, with 25 conditions attached.
However, a third party appeal has been lodged in respect of the council’s decision to grant planning permission.
In his written objection to Donegal County Council, Gary Romaine cites privacy and amenity concerns, as the proposed development would overlook his home and back garden.
“The distance between block C and my home is below the required standard as such this not only has structural implications but fire implications also.
“Block C’s three storey height and proximity to my boundary creates an impressive, overbearing structure and therefore rights of light would be severely affected for my property and garden.”
Mr Romaine further stated that “no meeting” had taken place with the fire officer as was requested.
‘ILLEGAL PARKING’
He further raised his concerns for illegal parking due to “inadequate onsite and surrounding parking provision” with the “risk that the fire tender may not be able to access the site and there could be a delay in putting out a fire that breaks out in Block which increases the chance it could spread to my property given the proximity of Block C to my boundary (1.854m)”.
He pointed to the loss of biodiversity due to the removal of trees following the completion of the development. He stated that four mature trees on the development site and the mature tree on his property provide habitat for birds, insects and small animals.
Mr Romaine stressed that he was not anti-development.
“Had the application on this site been for a realistic density with all the required safety and parking requirements I would not have objected.”
The case is due to be decided by July 23, 2026.