New application for major development at Letterkenny hotel

A fresh application has been lodged for a major extension at a Letterkenny town centre hotel.

Planning permission has been sought for works that would add 61 new bedrooms to McGettigan's Hotel.

The work was previously given the go ahead following an appeal by local residents to An Bord Pleanála in 2019.

After the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent closure of the hotel to the public in 2022 to accommodate the housing of Ukrainian refugees, the works went on the back-burner.

Now, however, a new application has been lodged.

Dennis McGettigan has applied for planning permission for works that would include the demolition and re-configuration of building elements that previously formed part of the former Milan nightclub.

The works would see construction of a new four-storey side extension to provide an additional 35 bedrooms.

A new fifth floor level over the existing bedroom block to provide 26 more bedrooms is also proposed.

An extension at fourth floor level to provide for a spa facility is also included in the application/

Residents lodged an appeal against the decision of Donegal County Council to grant conditional planning permission for the redevelopment.

While residents objected to works being granted for an identical proposal in 2019, An Bord Pleanala determined it could proceed, provided several conditions were adhered to.

In 2022, the hotel told potential customers it was cancelling bookings in order to free up space for Ukrainian refugees.

Donegal County Council say that a decision will be made by July 29.