Residential planning permissions down by almost half

The number of planning permission applications being granted for houses in Donegal has plummeted by almost half in one year.
Figures from the Central Statistics Office show a national drop of 53.5 % in the third quarter of the year, compared to the same time last year.
In the third quarter of 2009 there were 190 planning permission granted in County Donegal – that compares to 360 over the same period in 2008 a drop of 47% – slightly lower than the national average.
However reduction in the amount of permissions granted stands at 51% when compared to 2007.
Less people are either applying or being granted permission to extend their property – however the fall isn’t as steep standing at 30%.
Overall across the country planning permissions for dwelling units, including housing and apartments, are down nearly 44 per cent on last year’s figures.