Work commences to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Ballybofey and Stranorlar

Donegal County Council is pleased to announce that work has commenced in respect of activity to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Ballybofey/Stranorlar Town Centre. 

Findings from the most recent GeoDirectory Commercial Vacancy Report (Q4 2025) have identified Ballybofey/ Stranorlar as having the second highest level of national commercial vacancy recorded.  In response, the Council’s Regeneration & Development Team has initiated a focused programme of work aimed at understanding the scale of the issue in order to take action and support the revitalisation of the town centre. This work programme also aligns with key national policy priorities and initiatives, including the ‘Town Centres First’ Policy, ‘Housing for All’ and the ‘Property Activation Programme’.

The steps taken by Donegal County Council to date have involved surveying and identifying vacant and potentially derelict properties located in the town centre. The information gathered will enable the Council to build an accurate picture of vacancy levels including the condition of buildings, and thereafter allowing appropriate supports and interventions to be considered.

The Council is currently working to identify the owners of a number of properties in order to initiate engagement with owners. Property owners will be contacted to discuss the status of their buildings and to explore options available to them, in order to bring their properties back into productive use. The Council recognises that property owners play a key role in the regeneration of town centres and will seek to work constructively with owners where possible to support the reuse and redevelopment of vacant & derelict properties. Where properties meet the definition of a ‘derelict site’, they may be considered for inclusion on the Derelict Sites Register in accordance with the provisions set out in the Derelict Sites Act 1990 (as amended).

In working with owners of vacant and/or derelict properties in Ballybofey/ Stranorlar, the Council will support individuals to re-use their buildings by providing information and guidance in respect of: (i) The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (ii) The Repair and Lease Scheme and; (iii) The Conservation Advice Grant Scheme

The Council will continue to work proactively with property owners, local stakeholders, BASICC, the Town Team and the wider community as part of its ongoing commitment to the regeneration and sustainable development of the twin towns. 

Cllr Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach of Ballybofey/ Stranorlar Municipal District said: “Tackling vacancy and dereliction is a high priority for the Elected Members of the Ballybofey/ Stranorlar Municipal District and that it will play an integral role in supporting a vibrant town centre and encouraging renewed economic, residential and community activity in Ballybofey and Stranorlar”.

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He added: "With the Twin Towns bypass happening in the next few years, the regeneration of vacant buildings will strengthen the position of the towns".

Eamonn Brown, Director of Planning, Communities & Culture said: “Addressing vacancy and dereliction is a key priority for the Council as part of our wider regeneration objectives.  

“The survey work completed highlights both challenges and the opportunities that exist in Ballybofey/Stranorlar town centre. The Council is taking a structured and proactive approach by; identifying property owners, engaging with those owners directly and exploring practical pathways to bring properties back into productive use. Revitalising vacant and derelict properties will help strengthen the local economy, improve the appearance of the town centre and will support the long-term regeneration of the community in the twin towns”. 

If you own a vacant and/or derelict property in Ballybofey/Stranorlar town centre or elsewhere, you can find out about more by: Emailing: vacanthomes@donegalcoco.ie. Visiting our website at www.donegalcoco.ie/regeneration

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