Planning sought to convert former iconic Donegal Town butchers into restaurant

Planning permission has been sought from Donegal County Council to convert a former butchers' shop on The Diamond in Donegal Town into a restaurant. 

The listed applicant, Teresa Kennelly, has applied for the development, which will consist of the change of use of the ground floor of the existing building from retail to a restaurant, with associated modifications to the exterior, including minor changes to the front and rear entrances, the installation of an extract duct from the cooking area to terminate above existing roof verge to rear, and the erection of associated signage.

It was concluded in a 13-page report submitted as part of the planning application: “This project aims to revitalise the town centre by creating a new business opportunity.

“The planned construction has been thoughtfully planned to preserve the existing streetscape’s significance while converting it into a contemporary business space with a restaurant that will cater to both locals and tourists.”

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M. McGettigan & Sons butchers, which was managed by Diarmuid and Ernan McGettigan, had previously called the subject site home for 65 years before its closure in 2017.

The business was highly revered, winning prizes for its products at both national and continental levels, and even received a visit from the now British head of state, King Charles III, and his wife, Queen Camilla, in 2016. 

Donegal County Council has yet to issue a decision due date for the submitted planning permission application.