A Guide to Planning Permission in County Donegal

Donegal’s Planning Authority in deciding on a proposed planning application will be mindful of the overriding objectives of both the National Planning Framework as set out by the Department of Housing Local Government & Heritage and the Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy as set out by Regional Authorities. The Planning Authority will then ensure that your application is in keeping with both the Donegal Development Plan in addition to the Local Area Plan specific to the town or village where you propose to construct your development. If your proposed development is located within a rural area of Donegal your application will most likely be subjected to a Local Needs Assessment by the Donegal Planning Authority.

For example, a planning application to development a 100 unit 5 storey apartment block would have a greater likelihood of being successful in Letterkenny than on the outskirts of Laghy Village. Likewise a Planning Application to develop a one off residential bungalow would be more in keeping with the local area planning objectives of Burnfoot than that of Ballybofey.

Having carried out research into your proposed development you may find that planning permission is not required as Donegal Planning Authority may consider your project to be an Exempted Development. Considerable planning permission exemptions are afforded to agricultural developments in addition to small-scale residential extensions, alterations and renovations.

Prior to commencement (see Commencement Notices for more details) of any works regardless of size, scale or nature of your proposed development it is prudent to seek clarity from Donegal Planning Authority with regard to planning permission requirements. Construction, alteration or renovation of lands or structures which require planning permission that has not been applied for and granted may be deemed to be an Unauthorised Development by the Donegal Planning Authority and could lead to avoidable protracted and costly Enforcement Proceedings.  

In order to avoid the pitfalls of lodging a Planning Application that is unsuitable or not in keeping with the Donegal Development Plan or your specific location’s Local Area Plan it is essential that you determine that your proposed development is compatible with the Planning Authority’s objectives. If you feel that your proposed development may not be fully in keeping with Donegal’s Development Plan or Local Area Plan objectives it would be wise to schedule a Pre Planning Consultation / Meeting with your local authority. We encourage you to maximise the comprehensive resources which Planning Permission Ireland provides, as we assist you on your journey.