Refusal decisions · 17–23 Aug 2026

The Planning Authority is not satisfied that adequate information has been submitted to demonstrate that the proposed development can provide for adequate management and disposal of surface water in accordance with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) principles and Policy Objective IU 19 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 (as varied). In response to further information Request no. 2, the applicant has failed to provide satisfactory details of the proposed surface water drainage arrangements. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to Policy Objective IU 19 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 (as varied) and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. L o u t h C C, P l a n n i n g D e p a r t m e n t - V i e w i n g P u r p o s e s O n l y !

1. There would appear to be an unauthorised coffee shop building in operation on the site, within the rear yard area to Donegan’s Bar, which does not form part of this planning application (including further information response) and for which, there are no known planning records. The Planning Authority is precluded from granting permission that would consolidate unauthorised development. To grant permission for the subject development in its current form would, therefore, consolidate the existing unauthorised development on the site, set an undesirable precedent for further unauthorised development and contravene the proper planning and orderly development of the area, within the settlement of Collon and Collon Architectural Conservation Area.
2. The submitted Noise Impact Assessment Report (NIA) (as prepared by Traynor Environmental Ltd, dated 24th July 2026) has been based on a prediction of noise emissions associated with external patron activity, internal entertainment uses and ancillary operations. The NIA report refers to the rear yard to Donegan’s as being a designated smoking area ancillary to the bar and that activities within this smoking area is limited to patrons temporarily accessing the space for short duration social interaction. It notes that this area is not intended for amplified music, live entertainment or organised events and no external speaks or public address systems are proposed. Notwithstanding this, it is noted that the further information response submitted clarifies that the beer garden with kitchen and bar have been long established and that the intention is to serve food to customers in the future and that the hours of operation will be dictated by the weather due to the nature of the space, but will be within the operational hours of the established public house. Furthermore, the proposal also includes the provision of a retractable roof over this area, which would suggest it can be used during a range of weather conditions and it would appear that the yard is currently being used as a fully functioning beer garden and entertainment space. In addition, an operational unauthorised coffee shop building appears to have since been constructed in this area which is not accounted for within the application or NIA. In having regard to the above, the Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the submitted NIA has fully considered all aspects of the development, including the use of the external rear yard area and its associated activities and noise levels and as such, the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the existing and proposed development would not seriously harm the amenities of surrounding residential properties by virtue of excess noise and/or other associated disturbances arising from the development.