Three school campus plan and parking charges review on cards for Buncrana

A large attendance marked the latest meeting of the Buncrana Fianna Fáil Cumann, where significant local developments, including the imminent planning application for a new three-school campus and a review of parking charges in the town, were discussed during the proceedings.

Councillor Fionán Bradley provided a detailed overview of projects delivered or underway in Buncrana over the past decade, outlining what he described as significant progress for the town.

Among the key announcements was confirmation that planning permission for a major new three-school campus will be lodged shortly for Crana College, Coláiste Eoghain, and Gaelscoil Bhun Crannacha. The shared education campus will be situated at Causeway Road. 

Construction is also continuing on Scoil Iosagáin, a €21 million development that will be the largest school in County Donegal when completed in 2027. 

A formal review of Buncrana’s parking charges regime is due to begin soon, Councillor Bradley announced, with consideration to be given to the level of parking fees, the continuation of the free half-hour period, and the areas where charges currently apply.

Cllr Bradley highlighted a wide range of completed and ongoing infrastructure projects, including the new bridge at Cockhill, the full restoration and reopening of Swan Park following the devastating floods of 2017, and the rebuilding of the Plaza Ballroom after its destruction by a fire. 

Thirty-eight council houses have been delivered in the town, with a further 54 currently under construction. Under the Enhanced Defective Concrete Block Scheme, over €193 million has been paid out to date, with 851 homes remediated or undergoing remediation.

Also mentioned by Councillor Bradley was the upgrades to the Buncrana sewerage treatment plant, which have been completed. 

While he noted that progress continues on the long-awaited leisure centre project, with the building and lands now in Council ownership, and €2 million committed to advance the detailed design phase. 

Other notable mentions by Councillor Bradley were that planning permission has been granted for the Buncrana Enterprise Centre at the former barracks site, and the ii-Hub has been developed in the former Town Council offices, with some Council staff now relocated there. 

Attendees were also told about the proposed 3rd phase of Rockytown, which will include the construction of a Group Home and the Repowering Buncrana project which aims to revitalise the Shore Front from the Pier to the Fishing Greens and improve connections with the Main Street. 

Funding of €12.6 million has been secured for upgrades to Fort Dunree,  although An Coimisiún Pleanála refused planning permission for the project last year. Councillor Bradley told the meeting that a revised planning application is expected in the coming months following delays. 

A new €2.1 million bridge at Stranaclea is also being delivered. Buncrana’s continued success in the Tidy Towns competition was noted, with ten consecutive gold medals and three county titles in a row.

Minister Charlie McConalogue addressed the meeting and congratulated members on retaining all seven Council seats across Inishowen and Letterkenny-Milford LEAs in the recent local elections. Health services featured prominently in the discussion, with concerns expressed regarding delays to refurbishment works at the Buncrana Nursing Unit. 

The Minister pointed to increased investment in Letterkenny University Hospital, including additional beds and approval for a surgical hub and ambulatory care centre.

Difficulties in accessing GP services and the absence of ophthalmic services for diabetic patients in Buncrana were also raised, with a commitment given to pursue the matter with the HSE. The planned relocation of the ambulance base to the former medical centre, operating as a 24-hour service, was welcomed by attendees.

Updates were also provided at the meeting on efforts to secure funding through the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund to progress the Buncrana Inner Relief Road and Aghilly Road projects. 

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The work of the Local Democracy Taskforce, which may lead to the return of a Town Council to Buncrana, was discussed. Before the meeting concluded, members were encouraged to assist in rebuilding and strengthening the Cumann locally, with new members invited to join.