Appeal lodged against permitted tourism accommodation in Downings

An appeal has been lodged to An Coimisiún Pleanála against the granted planning permission by Donegal County Council for purpose-built tourism accommodation in Downings.

Pacific Construction Ltd had been granted planning permission in November for a site on The Atlantic Drive, outside Downings, for the erection of five glamping pods, an ancillary communal facilities building, installation of proprietary wastewater treatment system, landscaping scheme, access and parking and all other associated site works. 

Glamping is a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping

The appeal, which is due to be decided by April 2026, argues that proposals were “inappropriate speculative commercial development in a rural area remote from services and without safe pedestrian linkages” as well as being “injurious” to a scenic amenity designation, residential amenity, public health, Natura, and a traffic hazard to pedestrian safety.

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Principal planner of the project, John Scally, wrote in their application: “The applicant proposes purpose-built tourism accommodation on the outskirts of Downings, directly off the Atlantic Drive and the Wild Atlantic Way, an area recognised for its natural assets, outdoor recreation, and growing tourism appeal, including prestigious golf courses and hospitality offerings.

“The Donegal County Development Plan and the Wild Atlantic Way Regional Tourism Strategy highlight the need for enhanced tourism infrastructure in this area to support visitor growth, reduce seasonality, and benefit the local community, while protecting natural and built environments. 

“The site lies within a Structurally Weak Rural Area facing housing pressures from holiday homes, where planning policy restricts new holiday housing unless a clear social and economic need is demonstrated.

“The site lies within a Structurally Weak Rural Area facing housing pressures from holiday homes, where planning policy restricts new holiday housing unless a clear social and economic need is demonstrated.”

In response, the appellant concluded in their appeal that: “The subject proposal represents a speculative commercial tourism accommodation land use in a scenic rural area, remote from appropriate facilities and services and without any pedestrian connection to the urban settlement, which would result in an inappropriate form of commercial development with associated detrimental environmental (wastewater) and traffic impacts contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

“The proposal would also seriously injure the residential amenities of existing neighbouring properties and depreciate their value by reason of excessive noise and general disturbance.

“It is submitted that the planning permission in this instance could be refused for a number of different legitimate reasons.”