Decision on 44 new homes in Dundalk upheld

The decision by Louth County Council to refuse planning permission for 44 new homes at the Doylesfort Road in Dundalk has been upheld by An Bord Coimisiun (formerly An Bord Pleanala).

Hollywood Developments Ltd applied for planning permission in April 2025 for the development comprising 23 houses and 21 apartments/duplex units at the Doylesfort Road and adjoining The Lios Dubh Housing Estate in Dundalk

The proposed houses comprise 15 three-bed units and eight four-bed units. The proposed 21 apartments/duplex units comprise three one-bed units and 18 two-bed units across two buildings. Block A comprises 15 two-bed units over four storeys and block B comprises three one-bed units and three two-bed units over two storeys.

The developer also sought to create new access points from Doylesfort Road and the existing Lios Dubh housing estate, with associated upgrade works to sections of the existing adjoining access roads to facilitate vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access.

The local planning authority refused planning permission in February, saying in its decision that if the development were permitted it, "would set an undesirable precedent for future inappropriate development in the area” as it "would militate against the creation of an attractive high quality residential development and would result in a substandard form of development that would detract from the residential amenities of future occupants and the surrounding area".

It also said that: “In the absence of appropriate proposals to upgrade the Doylesfort Road to cater for the additional pedestrian footfall utilising the Doylesfort Road as a result of the development it is considered that the proposal would result in the creation of a traffic hazard and pedestrian safety, would adversely impact on the safe and efficient operation of the local road network and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."

Hollywood Developments Ltd lodged an appeal against the decision on 20 February 2026., with An Coimisiún Pleanála refusing planning permission on 7 August.

In refusing planning permission An Coimisiún Pleanála said that: “it is considered that the existing road network is significantly below the minimum standards required to safely accommodate the traffic which would be generated by the scale of the proposed development, and the applicant has not demonstrated that there is sufficient scope to upgrade the road infrastructure to include active travel measures such as cycle lanes, buffers and footpaths.”

It added that “it is considered that the proposed development would result in a traffic hazard for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, would be premature pending substantial road improvements.”

It also said that: “Having regard to the restricted and fragmented nature of the proposed open space provision, and the absence of a more integrated amenity approach with the adjoining permitted lands, it is considered that the open space proposed would be substandard and would not provide an adequate level of amenity for future residents.”