Appeal lodged against development at former Dunleer Railway Station
Louth County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a development at the former railway station at Battsland in Dunleer has been appealed to An Bord Coimisiún
An appeal has been lodged with An Bord Coimisiún (formerly An Bord Pleanála) against Louth County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a development at the former railway station at Battsland in Dunleer.
Ruairí Crofts applied in September 2025 for planning permission for the development at the the Station Master’s Dwelling at the former railway station in Dunleer, which is listed in the Louth County Council Record of Protected Structures, protected structure ref. 13830005.
The planned development consists of the change of use of the Former Station Master’s Dwelling from a library to a gym/fitness facility. The application also provides for internal alterations to the building and all associated site works.
The development had been opposed by mid-Louth local representative, Councillor Dolores Minogue, who said in a submission to Louth County Council on the planned development that the "Dunleer railway should be retained and protected as a potential future public transport corridor.
“Reopening this line for public use would represent a meaningful and forward-looking investment in sustainable transport infrastructure in line with national and regional transport and climate objectives."
Louth County Council granted planning permission for the development on 7 May, subject to eight planning conditions.
A third party appeal against the decision was lodged with An Bord Coimisiún on 29 May by Aidan Torres. The case is to be decided upon by 1 October 2026.
The former railway station is described in the Louth County Council Record of Protected Structures as "station buildings, single storey, red brick with yellow brick trim, goods shed. built 1881, no longer in use" and in its appraisal says that "the fine timber detailing and polychromatic brickwork of Dunleer railway station adds to the interest and character of this building.
“Designed by N.A. Mills, the structure stands as a reminder of the confidence of the Victorian rail era".