New slatted cattle shed with underground slurry tanks built on farmyard

Jim Steele, a farmer based in Aghangaddy near Ramelton, has received approval from Donegal County Council to construct a new slatted cattle shed that will include underground slurry storage tanks. The decision, granted on 8 May 2026, came after the council reviewed the application, which was submitted on 24 March 2026 and was due for a decision by 18 May 2026. The council’s decision code is listed as CONDITIONAL, indicating that the approval is subject to a number of conditions that the applicant must satisfy before construction can commence.

The shed will be erected within the existing farmyard complex at the farm’s address of Aghangaddy Glebe, Ramelton, Letterkenny, Co Donegal. The planning permission covers all necessary site works to support the new structure, including the installation of the underground slurry tanks that will store cattle waste. The design is intended to improve the farm’s waste management system and to reduce the environmental impact of slurry handling on the surrounding land.

The council file, reference 2660482, details the applicant’s plans and the conditions attached to the approval. While the council has not published the full list of conditions in the brief, it is typical for such approvals to require measures such as the installation of proper drainage, the provision of adequate fencing, and the implementation of a slurry management plan that complies with environmental regulations. Steele will need to ensure that the underground tanks are constructed to the required specifications and that the site works meet the council’s standards for soil stability and erosion control.

This decision follows a series of other planning approvals in Letterkenny and the wider Donegal area. In recent weeks, the council has granted permission for a new dwelling house with a proprietary wastewater treatment system in Burtonport, as well as the demolition of a dwelling house built with defective concrete blockwork in Ballymagowan Upper Kerykeel. Other approvals include a steel‑framed storage shed and the installation of an existing septic tank in a new location at Melmore Holiday Park, and the retention of a garage with associated site works. These decisions illustrate the council’s ongoing support for agricultural and residential development projects that incorporate modern waste management solutions.

The new cattle shed at Aghangaddy is part of a broader trend in the region toward more sustainable farming practices. By integrating underground slurry tanks, the shed will allow for the efficient collection and storage of cattle waste, reducing the risk of runoff into nearby watercourses. The slatted design of the shed will also facilitate better ventilation and hygiene for the livestock, which is a key consideration for farmers looking to maintain high standards of animal welfare.

Steele’s project is expected to be completed within the next year, provided that all conditions are met and the necessary site works are carried out on schedule. The council’s decision process included a thorough assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed construction, as well as an evaluation of the farm’s existing infrastructure. The approval also reflects the council’s commitment to supporting local agriculture while ensuring that developments adhere to environmental and planning regulations.

The decision was announced by the council’s planning department, which noted that the approval was granted with conditions in May 2026. The council’s website lists the decision under the reference number 2660482, and the full file is available for public inspection. The decision is part of a series of planning approvals that the council has issued in the past month, including the construction of a new dwelling house with a proprietary wastewater treatment system in Burtonport and the demolition of a defective dwelling house in Ballymagowan Upper Kerykeel.

For residents of Letterkenny and the surrounding areas, the new cattle shed represents a significant investment in the local agricultural sector. It demonstrates how modern infrastructure can be integrated into traditional farming operations to improve efficiency and environmental stewardship. The project also highlights the role of local authorities in facilitating development that balances economic growth with environmental protection.

For more details, see the Donegal County Council planning file and the localnews.ie article.

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