Local area plans commence for six Donegal towns

Public consultation has opened on new local area plans for six towns across the county, namely, Ballyshannon, Bridgend, Carndonagh, Donegal Town, Dungloe and Killybegs.

These 'strategic towns' will get individually tailored plans over and above the County Development Plan 2024-30 which was approved last year, and replace the Seven Strategic Towns Local Area Plan 2018-24.

Ballybofey-Stranorlar, which previously had its own area plan, has now been subsumed into the overall County Development Plan.

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The six town plans will focus on housing delivery, revitalising town centres, transport, supporting employment growth and providing new community facilities, and protecting the building and natural heritage. The plans are currently in the pre-draft phase, and will go through two further phases before being adopted.

Donegal County Council says local community input is vital and is encouraging people or community groups to make their views known. Children, or groups and associations who work with children, are particularly encouraged to make submissions.
The council held drop-in events for the public this week, and submissions should be made in writing, by hard copy, email or through the online portal, by 28 February. Donegal County Council says it will publish the first draft of the local area plans by August of this year.

The council has highlighted some issues and options to stimulate debate in the towns regarding how their plans might look.
Amongst the issues highlighted in Dungloe are ways of capitalising on the town's potential as a centre for employment, and the regeneration of the town centre including the potential of a one-way traffic system on the Carnmore Road.

Easing traffic congestion also features amongst the issues highlighted in Ballyshannon where one-way systems on the Port/Rock Road and additional parking at the Market Yard are under discussion, while moves will also be made to safeguard the town's rich built heritage and leveraging town centre regeneration through heritage-led projects at Heiton's, Mall Quay and the Workhouse.

Donegal Town's status as the principal urban centre in south the south of the county is acknowledged, and issues for consideration under the local area plan include options for improving 'living over the shop' opportunities in the town centre as part of a strategy to sustain the town centre for living in addition to it being a retail, tourism and hospitality destination.

The plan will also seek to realise the potential for the expansion of economic and commercial growth in the town.
Killybegs' deep water port provides a strategic advantage that planners wish to exploit by, amongst other things, preparing for offshore renewable energy construction and maintenance.

Enhancing access to schools is referenced as an issue for discussion, as is a possible one-way system on Bridge Street and the provision of additional car parking at the Council Yard. This phase of public consultation runs until 28 February, and members of the public are encouraged to make their views known in writing.