DONEGAL County Council has granted planning permission for a new state-of-the-art hotel in Rathmullan.
The plans for the new four-storey, 37-bedroom boutique hotel at Kerr’s Bay Road were lodged earlier this year by Thomas McCarron. The new hotel will include a restaurant, bar and dining area, along with a car park at the rear of the hotel. Deputy Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher TD has welcomed Donegal County Council’s decision to approve planning for the major new development.
“I commend Thomas MacCarron, with whom I have worked closely on this project, for his strong investment in his native Rathmullan,” Deputy Gallagher said.
“This development represents a major vote of confidence in Rathmullan and the wider Donegal area.”
He added that the project will deliver tangible economic benefits locally.
“The proposed hotel will generate valuable employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, while also strengthening Rathmullan’s tourism offering,” he continued.
“Importantly, it will bring wider economic benefits to the village and the surrounding areas.”
Local Cllr Liam Blaney also welcomed the decision, saying the development will enhance local amenity and deliver important new job opportunities for Rathmullan and the surrounding area.
Meanwhile, Cllr Pauric McGarvey said the new hotel will revitalise the town, boost business and employment, and drive tourism.
“The plans themselves are fantastic and I commend the architect, William Donoghue Architects, on the design, it’s modern but still in keeping with Rathmullan’s architecture,” Cllr McGarvey said.
The site for the new development was once home to The Pier Hotel, a historic establishment that served the local community for over a century.
A popular destination for tourists and locals alike, the hotel’s location close to the pier was a major selling point, offering guests stunning views of Lough Swilly.
The site for the new development was once home to The Pier Hotel, a historic establishment that served the local community for over a century.
The hotel was owned by Jim Deeney, the grandson of the original founder.
However, after he retired in the early 2000s and the hotel was sold to new owners, it tragically burned down shortly afterwards.
“The Pier Hotel was the heart of Rathmullan,” Cllr McGarvey continued.
“It was owned by Jim Deeney for 20 years before being sold in the early 2000s, and was burned shortly after that.
“I remember the shock in Rathmullan the night it was burned.
“Many people have fond memories of the hotel, including weddings, christenings, family events and sea angling dinner dances, to name a few. This development now offers a fantastic opportunity for its return.”
Over the years, many projects such as The Pier Hotel were delayed due to insufficient infrastructure upgrades in Rathmullan and the surrounding areas.
However, with a major investment in the new sewage treatment plant nearing completion, these plans can now move forward.
