An Bord Pleanála (ABP) has granted permission for the construction of an Islamic Cultural Centre in Letterkenny.
The centre, proposed for Lisnennan, was given the go-ahead under 16 conditions.
Letterkenny Islamic Association Clg is planning to build a Cultural Centre, consisting of ground floor and first floor mezzanine prayer hall areas (male/female), a coffee dock, sandwich bar, offices, meeting room and kitchenette.
The developers have been ordered to follow specific requirements for access and traffic safety.
The conditions also address environmental and aesthetic concerns, such as landscaping, maintenance of noise levels, and the protection of bat habitats.
The developer has been told to manage site development and building works only during specified hours Monday-Friday and Saturday, and not at all on Sundays and public holidays.
Objections to the centre, as lodged with Donegal County Council, raised concerns over traffic and potential disturbance to the area.
Submissions claimed the development would bring significant additional traffic with up to 120 worshipers attending Friday lunchtime prayer.
They also argued that the proposed centre could be considered “over development” in that it comprises two separate buildings of significant scale and height.
The ruling by An Bord Pleanála took into account the Donegal County Development Plan 2024-2030 and the Letterkenny Plan & Local Transport Plan 2023-2029 and said: “…the proposed development would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities of the area, and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience. The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”
