Ballybofey-Stranorlar plans for the future but bypass will have a big say

Local councillors have urged residents in Ballybofey-Stranorlar to examine the new draft town plan and make sure their priorities are mapped out for the future.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Martin Harley and his council colleague, Cllr Patrick McGowan said the development objectives, policies, and land use zonings will shape the area for years to come.

The plan is part of the  Draft County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030. It was opened to a public consultation process last Friday, August 4 which will run until Friday, October 13.

The Ballybofey-Stranorlar plan is placed in the context of the fact that they occupy a strategically important location and the towns are the third-largest settlement in the county with a population of 4,852 and perform important county and sub-regional level sporting, retail, tourism, education, service employment functions.

It points out that the Twin Towns have a well-developed and relatively compact urban structure, a rich social community and sporting base, key environmental assets and adequate environmental infrastructure to facilitate further growth. 

The plan also claims the development of the proposed bypass in the coming years will also bring key benefits including enhanced strategic access, reduced traffic congestion, enhanced safety and sustainability mobility options as well as improved quality of life and air quality benefits.

Current problems

However it also recognises current problems such as the high level of vacancy, dereliction and the lack of housing completions, it hopes government-funded initiatives to tackle these issues and the availability of good quality housing lands in close proximity to the urban core can provide part of the solution.

“It is therefore considered that with the aid of a suitable planning policy and spatial development framework, Ballybofey-Stranorlar can capitalise on existing key functions and assets to develop as a sustainable, economically prosperous, socially vibrant, accessible and attractive place with a high quality of life.”

The plan identifies key planning issues based on public consultation, engagement with key stakeholders as well as on-the-ground and desktop research such as housing, urban regeneration, traffic congestion, strategic roads, sustainable mobility, community-resource infrastructure, flooding and the need to develop the town's economic base.

Cllr Harley said the new plan had to look 20 to 25 years ahead and plan for future generations.

“The proposed bypass will have a major influence on the shape of the town in the years to come and will mean less traffic coming through so that will allow new opportunities for development. 

“The Seed regeneration project will also help put shape on Ballybofey town centre. It will provide a new focal point and open up that area for many things for both locals and tourists.”

Cllr Harley said it is vital people from the two towns and surrounding areas read the plan and provided input as to how they felt the towns should grow.

“At the end of the day, it’s the people's town, not the councillors, not the planners or the council, it’s what we as a community want to see for the future and I’m thinking about 20 to 25 years in the future.”

The cathaoirleach said the option of creating more pedestrian areas should be looked at and suggested the road between the Main Street - Navenny Street junction to the entrance to Flail Lane would be one area where this might work.

“I know from talking to locals and visitors there is a gap in the evening time where people have no options but a pub or hotel. I think we could develop a café culture like some other towns and use this as an added attraction which would encourage people to explore more of the town. 

“These pedestrian areas could also be used for entertainment, food festivals and street parties. I think this would project a very family friendly image which could only be good for the towns.”

Cllr Harley added he wanted to see positive input from people living in the two towns and was hopeful the plan would be seen as an opportunity to shape the future.

Dereliction

Cllr McGowan said he wanted to see the problem of dereliction tackled and urged locals to examine the potential of the  Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant which is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund.

“This particular grant which goes between €50,000 and €70,000 is a tremendous opportunity for anyone who has derelict property and I would urge anyone in that position to contact the council about it as this kind of money will not be there forever.”

He also felt the new town plan had to look at the need for relief roads in the town because until the bypass was done and dusted, Ballybofey and Stranorlar still had to deal with a huge volume of traffic on a daily basis.

“The plan must also make sure it incorporates areas for small manufacturing sites in the town. 

“These would be non-retail areas that would allow small companies to develop, provide local employment and grow.”

Cllr McGowan also felt there was a need in the plan to provide zone areas for serviced sites.

“It’s getting harder to build out in the country now but I know people would like to have the option of building near the town without the hassle of waiting years for services such as water and electricity. 

“This would cut down on the use of cars and the rural sprawl. It has been done in the past at places like Woodlawn in Stranorlar and it proved very successful.”

He also felt it was important for people to have their say and while he knew the local Chamber of Commerce and the Ballybofey And Stranorlar Integrated Community Company (Basicc) would be making representations, it would be no harm if the council opened a suggestions box at the local library where people could submit their proposals as not everyone had access to the internet to make e-mail suggestions.

“There are so many ways to create family and business-friendly towns with proper footpaths, cycle lanes and recreational facilities but people have to make sure the council planners are aware of the demands out there.”

He said one of the biggest issues in the towns was parking

“We need more land zoned for parking which could mean opening up lands outside the towns or areas that are derelict at the moment. 

“We need to ensure the heritage facades of some buildings in the towns are preserved too as they are unique and add to the character of the area. 

“Of course, our hands are tied to some extent until the bypass comes and it will shape a lot of things but I'm sure everyone would welcome the benefits it will bring in the long run.”

Draft County Donegal Development Plan 

The Draft County Donegal Development Plan itself sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Donegal from 2024-2030, including background text and development objectives, policies, and land use zoning.  

A number of associated environmental reports accompany it.

The council executive say it will guide future planning and public investment decisions across various development areas including housing, economic development, climate change, transport infrastructure, renewable energy, and the management of our natural and built heritage. 

The public is being urged to have their say on the county draft plan and the Ballybofey-Stranorlar, Buncrana and Bundoran plans through written submissions during the current consultation.  

All submissions will be considered to inform the next stage of the process. 

The public can access the Draft County Donegal Development Plan and associated environmental reports by visiting www.donegaldevplan.ie