An Bord Pleanála paves way for Carndonagh FC development - with conditions

A major new development by Carndonagh Football Club has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála – but with strict conditions attached.

Carndonagh FC are seeking to develop a new facility at Carrickafoden.

The proposed development is to include a two-storey clubhouse and sports hall to house changing rooms, a function room.

The development will also comprise three outdoor pitches, including a main grass playing pitch, a grass training pitch and a 3G pitch.

Among the 17 conditions attached to the granting of permission is that the playing pitches are to be for the “exclusive use of Carndonagh Football Club.”

An Bord Pleanála said: “It shall not be used as a multiple user commercial facility and shall not be rented out to other clubs or individuals.”

Donegal County Council gave conditional planning permission in May 2023, but some local residents took their objections to An Bord Pleanála, who have granted permission with revised conditions.

Kathleen and Robert Moore and Carolyn McKinley, of Riversdale, Carndonagh, lodged objections to the proposed development.

The residents contested that they had not been invited to either an informal meeting or an open meeting and cited concerns over noise pollution, floodlights overlooking or shining on their dwelling and stray balls coming into their property.

The residents said they were further concerned as there is already a GAA facility at the location and the further development would increase traffic and 'cause obstruction getting in and out of our house'.

They also queried the need for a third pitch on the planned development.

A revised lay-out has committed an indoor training hall and the planning body decided to grant permission following an inspector's recommendation.

An Bord Pleanála said: “Having regard to the nature, scale and layout of the proposed sports facility and its location relative to Carmdonagh town centre, it is considered that the proposed development, subject to compliance with the conditions, would be in accordance with the provision of the Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024, would not injure the visual or residential amenities, would not be prejudicial to public health, would be acceptable in terms of the safety and convenience of pedestrians and road users and would not constitute a traffic hazard.

“The proposed development would therefore be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

Under the conditions, the facility will be used only from 9am-9pm Mondays-Fridays, 9am-8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

No bar facilities shall be provided within the club house and a management plan must be submitted.

Plans for the management of waste, the lighting, netting and signage are to be submitted for written agreement.

Site development works shall be carried out from 7am-7pm Mondays-Fridays, 8am-2pm on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays and public holidays.