The development will consist of partial demolition

Debora and Mark Walsh have submitted a planning application to Sligo County Council for a development on Holywell Road in the village of Tonaphubble, Co Sligo. The proposal, received by the council on 6 May 2026, seeks permission for a partial demolition of the existing dwelling, followed by a renovation and extension of the house. In addition, the applicants intend to relocate the site entrance and carry out hard and soft landscaping, together with all associated site works.

The application, identified by reference 2660172, is currently in the “New Application” stage. The council has set a decision deadline of 30 June 2026. The applicants have not yet been granted permission, and the council will consider the proposal in the context of local planning policy, the character of the surrounding area and any potential impact on the village environment.

Partial demolition, as proposed, would involve removing selected parts of the existing structure while retaining the core of the building. The subsequent renovation and extension are intended to improve the dwelling’s functionality and appearance, and the relocation of the entrance is aimed at better aligning the house with the road layout and improving access. The landscaping plans include both hard elements such as driveways and pathways, and soft elements such as planting beds and grass areas, all of which are to be carried out in accordance with the council’s environmental and aesthetic guidelines.

Tonaphubble is a small community within the parish of Carrowkeel, and the council’s planning decisions are often influenced by the need to preserve the rural character of the area. In recent weeks, the council has considered a number of other applications that reflect similar concerns. For example, an application for amendments to the front and side elevations of a dwelling in Carrowkeel & Cloonakeemoge, Beltra, was received, as was a request for permission to retain an extension to the rear of a house in Drumcliff. In Bunnadober, a proposal to upgrade a field entrance to a forestry‑standard road entrance was also granted. These decisions illustrate the council’s ongoing efforts to balance development with the preservation of local heritage and landscape.

The Walshes’ proposal is part of a broader pattern of planning activity in the county. Earlier this month, the council approved a retention permission for the partial demolition of an existing dwelling house, and a separate application to construct a sheep shed and manure shed was also granted. In Collooney, a new gym and meeting area was approved, while in another part of the county a new slatted shed and silage base were authorised. These approvals demonstrate the council’s willingness to support a range of agricultural and residential projects, provided they meet the necessary planning criteria.

The Holywell Road application also follows a recent local news story about the replacement of three signs and associated site development works. That project, which involved the installation of a new 4.2 m × 0.4 m sign, was completed in time for the council’s review of the Walshes’ proposal. The council’s decision on the Holywell Road application will likely take into account the outcomes of these related projects, as they provide context for the expected impact on traffic, safety and visual amenity.

Residents of Tonaphubble have expressed a range of views on the proposed development. Some welcome the potential for improved housing and better access, while others are concerned about the loss of historic fabric and the visual impact of new construction. The council’s planning committee will consider these perspectives, along with technical assessments of the proposal’s compliance with local planning policies, before making a final decision.

The council’s decision will be published on the local news website once it is made. In the meantime, interested parties can review the full application details on the council’s planning portal, where the file is available for public inspection. The application’s status, reference number and key dates are all listed on the portal, providing transparency for the community.

Readers wishing to follow the progress of the Holywell Road application are encouraged to consult the original source documents on the Sligo County Council planning website.

Summary written by localnews.ie from the original source coverage. Click through for the full report.