CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING COMMERCIAL PREMISES (FORMER AMUSEMENT ARCADE) TO ADULT

Ciaran Haran has lodged a planning application with Donegal County Council to change the use of a former amusement arcade on Main Street in Lifford into an adult education facility. The proposal, which is currently in the pre‑validation stage, was submitted on 19 May 2026 and a decision is expected by 13 July 2026.

The application outlines a number of alterations to the existing commercial premises. First, elevational changes are planned to adapt the building for its new educational purpose. On the first floor, Haran proposes an extension that would create two classrooms and a counselling room. A further extension to the rear of the site would add two additional classrooms. In addition to the interior work, the plan includes the construction of a bin storage yard at the rear of the property, complete with a bicycle shelter, as well as an outdoor amenity area and all associated site works.

The former arcade, which had been a popular local entertainment venue, would be repurposed to provide learning spaces for adult students. The application does not yet include detailed drawings or conditions, but the council has recorded the proposal on its public planning list and will consider it in the upcoming decision period.

The change of use is part of a broader trend of adaptive reuse of commercial buildings in the area, although this particular application is the only one listed for Lifford at present. The council’s decision will determine whether the former arcade can be transformed into a centre for adult education, potentially offering new learning opportunities for the local community.

For full details of the application, including the proposed plans and any conditions that may be attached, readers can consult the Donegal County Council planning portal or the original notice on the public planning list.

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