Pearse Road site identified for Letterkenny transport hub

Plans for the development of a regional transport hub in Letterkenny have taken a massive step forward with news that Donegal County Council is set to move on the acquisition of land.

A location in the area of the former town Council offices and the former Bacon Factory brownfield lands at Pearse Road have been identified as the preferred site.

Officials initially explored 27 possible locations before whittling that down to four.

Last month, approval to proceed with the acquisition was secured from the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage.

Donegal County Council's regeneration and development team will now attempt to advance the process by discussing with landowners.

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The March meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District was told that the location in question integrates with other ambitions of the Letterkenny 2040 Regeneration Stretegy.

“This is a key part of the whole jigsaw in Letterkenny,” Councillor Michael McBride, who tabled a motion calling for a workshop on the transport hub development, said. “I don't want to see it4 forced to a site that doesn't have the scope it needs. We need a substantial site for further development.”

Councillor McBride said it was important to have the site in a position where it can accommodate all public transport providers, including Bus Eireann, the Letterkenny Town Bus and Local Link services.

Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh, who seconded the motion by Councillor McBride, echoed the importance of such a development, noting that it had been discussed 'time and time again'.

“This is a very important part of the Letterkenny 2040 Regeneration Strategy,” Councillor Kavanagh said.

Liam Ward, Director of Community Development & Planning Services with Donegal County Council, told the meeting that officials believe that the site identified is 'the best site and is very much in the town centre',

“It does provide enough scope for further development,” Mr Ward said. “We have been given the go ahead to proceed with the acquisition and we will advance that in the next couple of weeks.”

Mr Ward said officials from the local authority would be happy to engage with elected members in in a workshop about the acquisition.