Plans for historic Killybegs building to become apartments

There are plans to develop apartments in a historic Killybegs building.

Planning permission has been sought for works to the former Killybegs Carpet Factory.

Greenlands Asset Holdings Limited have applied for permission for the development of seven apartments at the building, located at New Row, Killybegs.

The company has sought a change of use for the now disused units, which is part of a protected structure, to seven apartments to include elevational changes and all associated site development works.

The building provided employment from the late 1800s and was operated by Alexander Morton, the Scottish textile manufacturer.

Carpets produced by the company can be found in the White House, Buckingham Palace, The Vatican and Aras an Uachtarain.

The Mortons sold the company to an Irish company, Donegal Carpets Limited, in 1954 and this factory later closed in 1987.

From 2006, the Killybegs Maritime and Carpet Making Heritage Centre operated until its closure in June 2021 after it was sold with vacant possession.

Over 75,000 people were estimated to have visited the centre over its 15 years in operation.

Donegal County Council says it will make a decision on the application by February 20, 2024.