Mayo hotel gets planning for homeless accommodation after successful planning appeal
An Coimisiún Pleanála has upheld an appeal granting permission for the retention and change of use of a function room at the Dolphin Hotel in Crossmolina from commercial use to residential social accommodation.
The move overturns an original decision made by Mayo County Council last August to refuse permission for the development.
The original application to the council received 78 submissions and was refused on two conditions.
The first was in relation to design and layout, including the limited provision of adequate facilities, and the second was related to concerns over an increase in traffic levels potentially endangering public safety.
Following an appeal by Pat Mulhern Civil Engineering (Ireland) Limited, the owner of the Dolphin Hotel, An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission on January 14, 2026, subject to eight conditions.
The conditions include ensuring that the development complies with the updated plans submitted to An Coimsiún Pleanála, a requirement that the accommodation is used for short-term residential purposes only, and that a maximum of 10 car parking spaces and 10 bicycle parking spaces are provided.
In the January meeting of the Ballina Municipal District Council, Crossmolina-based councillor Michael Loftus said the granting of planning permission was an “awful disappointment” for the local community.
“I am amazed that it got over the line,” he said, and he urged the council to carry out all appropriate checks on the building in relation to fire regulations and other relevant statutory obligations.
Cllr Loftus explained that the application submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála was different from the original proposal lodged with Mayo County Council.
“I am extremely disappointed to see it going in and to see what it's doing to the community. It’s been very divisive,” he said.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.